Kochi: The long-awaited Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express has finally become a reality, promising to revolutionize travel between Kerala and Karnataka. Indian Railways has opened bookings for the new semi-high-speed service, which will begin its commercial operations from November 11, 2025. The inaugural run was virtually flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi, marking a significant milestone for South Indian rail travel.
This new Vande Bharat Express is Kerala’s third semi-high-speed train, connecting three states: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Operated and maintained by the Southern Railway zone, the train is expected to greatly enhance regional mobility, boost tourism, and strengthen trade across the route. Passengers will also be treated to a scenic journey through the Western Ghats, adding an element of natural beauty to their travel experience.
Currently, multiple trains and bus services connect Ernakulam and Bengaluru, but most trains take around 12 hours or more, while buses require between 10 and 11.5 hours. The new Vande Bharat will dramatically cut this travel time to just 8 hours 40 minutes, offering a faster, more efficient alternative for commuters, business travelers, and students.
In addition to saving time, the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat is competitively priced. The minimum fare is Rs 1,615, which is comparable to or even lower than AC bus fares that generally start at Rs 1,600 or higher. This makes the train not only faster but also a cost-effective choice for passengers.
Designed by the Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF), the train boasts advanced amenities to improve the overall travel experience. Passengers will enjoy comfortable seating, rotating seats in select coaches, bio-vacuum toilets, automatic doors, and a GPS-based audio-visual information system. An intelligent braking system ensures smooth acceleration and deceleration, providing a safe and efficient ride.
The train also offers world-class rail travel between Bengaluru, India’s IT hub, and Kochi, a major commercial city. Along the way, it enhances connectivity to key towns and tourist destinations such as Thrissur, Palakkad, and Coimbatore, further promoting regional tourism and commerce.
Thanks to its schedule, passengers can make a round trip in a single day, traveling from Bengaluru to Ernakulam in the morning and returning the same evening. With its combination of speed, affordability, and modern facilities, the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat emerges as the preferred choice for travelers looking for an efficient and comfortable journey between these two South Indian cities.
The launch of this semi-high-speed train marks a major leap in rail connectivity, transforming not just travel time but also the overall passenger experience for thousands commuting between Kerala and Karnataka.