Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat: Here’s how Kerala’s 3rd semi-high-speed train could transform travel experience

Kerala’s third Vande Bharat Express

The Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat is Kerala’s third train in the semi-high-speed category. This 8-coach train service will connect three states: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. It will be operated and maintained by the Southern Railway zone.

Ernakulam-Bangalore Vande Bharat train (Image: Southern Railway)

The Ernakulam–KSR Bengaluru–Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express is set to boost regional mobility while promoting tourism and trade across the region. The route also offers a scenic journey as the train travels through the picturesque gateway of the Western Ghats.

How Ernakulam-KSR Bengaluru Vande Bharat train could transform travel experience for passengers?

Here’s how the newly introduced Ernakulam-KSR Bengaluru Vande Bharat train could redefine travel experience between two South Indian cities:

The loco pilots of the inaugural special Ernakulam – KSR Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express. (Image: Southern Railway)

• Less travel time

At present, more than four trains operate between Ernakulam and Bengaluru, along with several bus services run by private operators and state transport corporations. While many passengers prefer trains because they are more affordable, the existing services take around 12 hours or more to complete the journey. Buses, on the other hand, take between 10 hours 30 minutes and 11 hours 30 minutes.

Students onboard Ernakulam-Bangalore Vande Bharat train (Image: Southern Railway)

With the introduction of the new Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat, travel time will be significantly reduced. This new train will complete the journey in just 8 hours 40 minutes, which will save their precious time.

• Cheaper than bus services

Travelling between Ernakulam and Bengaluru is more cheaper on the newly launched Vande Bharat compared to existing bus options. The minimum fare on the Vande Bharat is Rs 1,615, while AC bus tickets generally start around Rs 1,600 or higher, according to the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation.

School students on Ernakulam-Bangalore Vande Bharat train (Image: Southern Railway)

• More comfort than other trains/bus

Developed by the Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF), the new orange-and-grey Vande Bharat comes with more advanced features than existing trains and bus services. This new train has an intelligent braking system for improved acceleration and deceleration, automatic doors, a GPS-based audio-visual passenger information system, comfortable seating, bio-vacuum toilets, rotating seats in select coaches, and several other passenger-friendly features.

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• Benefits

In addition, the Ernakulam-KSR Bengaluru Vande Bharat train will offer a world-class rail travel between the IT hub, Bengaluru and the major commercial city, Kochi. It will provide better access to popular tourist destinations like Thrissur, Palakkad and Coimbatore. It will also strengthen rail connectivity between Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Overall, this Vande Bharat train emerges as a strong travel option for passengers commuting between Ernakulam and Bengaluru. It offers shorter travel time compared to existing trains, is cheaper against AC bus services and provides more onboard features and facilities.

Due to its schedule, passengers can even travel from Bengaluru to Ernakulam in the morning and return the same night if they prefer using the Vande Bharat train.

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