Kerala gets 3rd Vande Bharat: Ernakulam-Bengaluru train to begin soon – check route, timings & more

Vande Bharat

Indian Railways has approved the launch of another Vande Bharat Express for Kerala, which will make it the third such semi-high-speed train in the state. The new train will be operated and maintained by the Southern Railway (SR) zone and is expected to improve connectivity between Kerala and Karnataka.

The new Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat

The third Vande Bharat Express in Kerala will operate between Ernakulam and KSR Bengaluru, which will offer a faster and more convenient journey for passengers traveling between the two major southern cities. The Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express train can run up to a maximum operational speed of 160 kmph. The tentative date for starting the service is November 7, The Times of India reported.

Route, travel time, and stoppages

The new Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express (Train No 26651/26652) will run via Coimbatore and Palakkad, covering the entire distance in approximately 7 hours and 40 minutes. Along its route, the train will halt at seven stations - Krishnarajapuram, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Palakkad, and Thrissur.

Frequency and coach details

The train will operate six days a week, with Wednesday being the maintenance day. It will consist of eight coaches, seven air-conditioned chair cars and one executive chair car, designed to offer passengers a smooth and spacious travel experience.

Timings

Train No. 26651 (Bengaluru–Ernakulam): The train will depart from KSR Bengaluru at 05.10 am and reach Ernakulam at 1.50 pm.

Train No. 26652 (Ernakulam–Bengaluru): The train will leave Ernakulam at 2.20 pm and arrive at KSR Bengaluru at 11.00 pm.

Existing Vande Bharat trains in Kerala

At present, two Vande Bharat Express trains are running in Kerala:

• Kasargod-Thiruvananthapuram-Kasargod (Train No 20633/20634)

• Mangalore-Thiruvananthapuram-Mangalore (Train No 20631/20632)

These trains have already reduced travel time between northern and southern parts of the state while providing passengers with modern amenities and greater comfort.