R ARIVANANTHAM
NEW DELHI/CHENNAI, NOV 6
In a key advance for Indian rail travel, the Vande Bharat Express fleet is set to expand on Saturday, November 8 when the Narendra Modi-led government flags off four new services, operating on the Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi and Ernakulam–Bengaluru routes.
The new links aim to deliver three major benefits: comfort, convenience, and time-savings:
- Comfort — The Vande Bharat trains represent the modern, semi-high-speed train-sets deployed by Indian Railways, offering upgraded interiors and services compared to older express trains.
- Convenience — Direct connectivity is being established between key cities and regions, reducing the need for multiple transfers or indirect routes. For example, the Banaras–Khajuraho link will directly connect pilgrims and tourists between Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot and the UNESCO-site at Khajuraho.
- Time-savings — Significant journey-time reductions are being offered: the Banaras–Khajuraho service will shave off about 2 hours 40 minutes, the Lucknow–Saharanpur around 1 hour, the Ernakulam–Bengaluru over 2 hours, and the Firozpur–Delhi route will cover the journey in just 6 hours 40 minutes.
As the Prime Minister remarked: “Through its hard work over the years, the Railways has made big strides in addressing long-standing issues and will not stop till the Indian Railways becomes a guarantee of comfortable travel for everyone.” (mint)
He further underlined that “modern rail infrastructure was a strong pillar of the vision of Viksit Bharat.”
On the ministerial side, Ashwini Vaishnaw (Railway Minister) pointed to the new services as part of the rapid expansion of the Vande Bharat network and emphasised improved regional integration and mobility (see related reports).
Voices from the rail-community:
- Passenger-advocacy groups and user-bodies have welcomed the enhanced connectivity and comfort level—the modern train-sets are seen as a positive shift away from older, slower services.
- At the same time, they stress that premium services must not widen the divide between everyday passengers and those who benefit from flagship trains. As one commentary noted: “The Vande Bharat services… mark a clear shift in the class of train services provided by Indian Railways.”
Key Takeaway
With the launch of these four new Vande Bharat trains, the Indian Railways is doubling down on mobility, speed and quality of service—particularly for inter-city and regional corridors. The focus on time-saving journeys, improved comfort and direct connectivity signals a clear effort to modernise rail travel. However, delivery of such promises will depend on consistent maintenance, operational reliability and ensuring that benefits are felt across passenger categories—not just premium travellers.
PM to flag off Inaugural Special of Ernakulam – KSR Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express through Video Conferencing
Ceremonial Functions to be held at Ernakulam and enroute stations such as Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode and Salem in Southern Railway
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the new Vande Bharat Express by flagging off the inaugural special Train No. 06652 Ernakulam Jn – KSR Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express on 08th November, 2025 through Video Conferencing.
The main event will be held in Banaras Railway Station from where Hon’ble PM will flag off four Vande Bharat services – Ernakulam – KSR Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express, Banaras-Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express, Lucknow Jn.-Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express and Firozpur Cantt-Delhi Vande Bharat Express services.
The Newly introduced Vande Bharat Express between Ernakulam and KSR Bengaluru will be the Third Vande Bharat service for Kerala & first inter-state Vande Bharat service linking Kerala with Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. With the introduction of this new service, 12 pairs of Vande Bharat trains will serve Southern Railway jurisdiction.
The KSR Bengaluru – Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express will provide seamless connectivity between Ernakulam, the commercial capital of Kerala and the cosmopolitan city of Bengaluru. This train traverses major cities of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, including Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, before reaching Krishnarajapuram and KSR Bengaluru. The service will greatly benefit IT professionals, businessmen and students, among others.
Prime Minister’s main function at Varanasi will be live streamed at all the Ceremonial function locations in Southern Railway, namely, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode and Salem. Elected representatives, other dignitaries, students, rail passengers and the general public will participate in the event. The train will be accorded a warm reception at all the enroute stations.
As approved by the Railway Board, a new Vande Bharat train service will be introduced between Ernakulam Jn and KSR Bengaluru as detailed below.
Train No. 06652 Ernakulam Jn – KSR Bengaluru Vande Bharat Inaugural Special:
Train No. 06652 Ernakulam Jn – KSR Bengaluru Vande Bharat Inaugural Special will leave Ernakulam Jn at 08.00 on 08th November, 2025 and reach KSR Bengaluru at 17.50 hrs, the same day.
Art on Track!
Young minds from Kendriya Vidyalaya expressed their excitement for the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express through vibrant drawings celebrating innovation & pride!#VandeBharat #SouthernRailway #TVCSR #ErnakulamBengaluruVandeBharat pic.twitter.com/SseiAkw6VY— DRM Thiruvananthapuram (@drm_tvc) November 6, 2025
