Kochi: A new chapter in South India’s railway connectivity begins today as Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off the Ernakulam Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express, one of four new semi-high-speed trains being introduced across the country. The Prime Minister will inaugurate the services virtually from Varanasi this morning, marking another milestone in the expansion of India’s premium train network.
Along with the Ernakulam Bengaluru service, three other new Vande Bharat Express trains Banaras Khajuraho, Lucknow Saharanpur, and Ferozepur–Delhi will also commence operations. The initiative is part of Indian Railways’ ongoing effort to strengthen intercity connectivity with faster, more comfortable, and energy-efficient travel options.
The virtual flag-off event will link several major stations across India, while local ceremonies will be held at key terminals. In Kochi, Union Ministers Suresh Gopi and George Kurien will attend the inaugural function at Ernakulam Junction (South) Railway Station, from where the maiden journey will begin.
The Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express successfully completed its trial run on Friday, confirming the readiness of the route and operational systems. The ticket fare for the chair car has been fixed at ₹1,095, while the executive chair car fare is ₹2,289, inclusive of onboard catering and reservation charges.
Railway officials have expressed confidence that the new service will significantly benefit business travelers, professionals, and tourists commuting between Kerala and Karnataka.
The Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express, designated as train numbers 26651/26652, will operate six days a week, with no service on Wednesdays. The train will cover the 577-kilometre journey in approximately 8 hours and 40 minutes, making it one of the fastest options between the two cities.
From KSR Bengaluru, the train will depart at 5:10 a.m., reaching Ernakulam at 1:50 p.m. On the return leg, it will leave Ernakulam at 2:20 p.m. and arrive back in Bengaluru at 11:00 p.m.
The Southern Railway has announced that the train will halt at 11 stations en route, ensuring connectivity to major regional hubs. The approved stops include:
Ernakulam, Thrissur, Shoranur, Palakkad, Podanur, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Jolarpettai, Krishnarajapuram, and finally KSR Bengaluru.
With limited halts and advanced onboard facilities, the train aims to reduce travel fatigue while ensuring punctuality and comfort for passengers.
The launch of this new service marks a major milestone for Southern Railway, as it extends the Vande Bharat network deeper into the southern corridor. The high-speed, air-conditioned train is designed with modern amenities such as reclining seats, automatic doors, improved suspension, Wi-Fi, GPS-based passenger information systems, and enhanced safety features including the Kavach anti-collision system.
While the ceremonial run takes place today, the regular commercial service will commence from Tuesday, November 11. Officials anticipate high passenger demand, especially given the growing flow of professionals, students, and tourists between Kerala and Karnataka.
The introduction of the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express underscores the government’s broader commitment to modernizing India’s railways and enhancing regional mobility. As the gleaming blue-and-white train begins its journey across lush landscapes and industrial corridors, it symbolizes a leap toward faster, cleaner, and more efficient public transport for southern India.