Kochi |November 8, 2025 |Sky Link Times |
PM Modi on Saturday flagged off the Ernakulam–KSR Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express through video conferencing from Varanasi, marking another milestone in India’s expanding high-speed rail network.
The new service is the third Vande Bharat Express for Kerala and the 12th within the Southern Railway zone, underscoring the government’s focus on improving connectivity and accelerating regional growth across southern India.
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Boost for Regional Connectivity and Economic Ties
Southern Railway officials said the new service will significantly enhance regional connectivity between Kerala and Karnataka, linking Ernakulam, the commercial hub of Kerala, with Bengaluru, India’s IT capital.
The semi-high-speed train will cater to a wide range of travelers — professionals, entrepreneurs, and students — offering faster and more comfortable journeys between the two cities.
> “The Vande Bharat trains have redefined passenger comfort and travel time efficiency across India,” a senior railway official said, adding that this launch will “further strengthen economic and social ties” in the region.
Route and Schedule Details
The inaugural special train, numbered 06652, departed Ernakulam Junction at 8 a.m. and is scheduled to reach KSR Bengaluru at 5:50 p.m. the same day.
The train will halt at major stations including Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, and Krishnarajapuram, connecting key industrial and educational centers across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
Each of these stations will host ceremonial functions with live streaming of the Prime Minister’s flag-off event. The train will also receive a warm reception at every halt, with participation from elected representatives, officials, students, and the public.
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Part of a Broader Rail Expansion Plan
At the main event in Varanasi, PM Modi also inaugurated three additional Vande Bharat services — Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, and Firozpur Cantt–Delhi — as part of Indian Railways’ nationwide semi-high-speed expansion strategy.
Officials noted that this initiative aligns with the government’s vision of transforming travel infrastructure and promoting Make in India technology through indigenous train manufacturing.
Currently, Kerala operates two Vande Bharat trains, both witnessing strong passenger demand, with most seats booked on nearly every run. The addition of the Ernakulam–Bengaluru route is expected to ease inter-state travel and further popularize the Vande Bharat brand in South India.
Modern Features and Passenger Comfort
The eight-coach train is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, including comfortable seating, advanced safety systems, onboard Wi-Fi, GPS-based information displays, and energy-efficient design — ensuring a blend of speed, comfort, and sustainability.
The service reinforces India’s commitment to modern rail travel while connecting two of the most economically dynamic cities in the south.
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