The Indian Railways is expanding its Vande Bharat Express network with the introduction of its third train for Kerala, set to commence service on the Ernakulam-Bengaluru route starting Wednesday. This new service will operate three days a week, enhancing connectivity between these major cities.
Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express Schedule:
- From Ernakulam: Departs at 12:50 PM, arriving in Bengaluru at 10:00 PM.
- From Bengaluru: Leaves at 5:30 AM, reaching Ernakulam at 2:20 PM. The train will make stops at Thrissur, Palakkad, Podanur, Tirupur, Erode, and Salem.
Fare Details:
- AC Chair Car: ₹1,465
- Executive Chair Car: ₹2,945
Ticket bookings are managed by IRCTC and are currently open. The train will operate from Ernakulam to Bengaluru on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and from Bengaluru to Ernakulam on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Mondays.
This service aims to cater to many Malayalis working in Bengaluru’s IT sector, providing a faster and more comfortable travel option. The Vande Bharat trains, known for their semi-high-speed capabilities, were introduced in February 2019 and are designed to reach speeds up to 180 km/h, although track conditions often limit them to 130 km/h.
Overall, Vande Bharat remains the fastest rail option on its routes, with the New Delhi-Varanasi route holding the highest average speed at 95 km/h.