Ernakulam: In a major boost to inter-state connectivity, Kerala is all set to get its third Vande Bharat Express, linking Ernakulam and Bengaluru. The much-anticipated semi-high-speed train is expected to begin operations by mid-November 2025, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed.
The announcement comes as welcome news for thousands of Malayalis who frequently travel between Bengaluru and Kerala, especially IT professionals and students.
🚄 Background: Resumption of a Popular Route
The new service marks the return of the Bengaluru–Ernakulam Vande Bharat route, which was earlier operated as a tri-weekly special train but discontinued around the Onam season of 2024.
At the time, the suspension was reportedly due to a delay in notification for extension, which had drawn criticism from passengers and public representatives alike.
Railway authorities had then hinted at resuming the service after revising departure timings, and the re-launch now comes with slightly updated schedules and improved run time.
🕒 Timings and Route Details
According to preliminary schedules, the Vande Bharat Express will:
- Depart Bengaluru: 5:00 AM
- Arrive Ernakulam: 2:00 PM
- Return Journey (Ernakulam to Bengaluru): Expected arrival by 11:00 PM
The train will make six intermediate stops at:
Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, and Salem.
The journey duration is expected to come down from 13 hours to under 9 hours, significantly improving travel convenience between the two southern cities.
The earlier special service operated on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Mondays, and the new schedule is likely to follow a similar pattern, pending final confirmation.
💬 Public and Political Reactions
Welcoming the announcement, former minister and BJP Kerala state president K. Surendran thanked the Union government for reinstating the train service.
“Thank you, Modi! Gratitude to the Central Government for sanctioning a Vande Bharat train from Ernakulam to Bengaluru via Thrissur and Palakkad,” he posted on social media.
He added that Bengaluru is home to a large Malayali population, including those working in the IT sector, and the new service will greatly ease their travel woes.
⚙️ Significance and Impact
The new Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express will be the third Vande Bharat service for Kerala, following the successful launches of:
- Thiruvananthapuram–Kasaragod Vande Bharat Express, and
- Kasaragod–Bangalore Vande Bharat Express (via Mangalore).
With reduced travel time, modern amenities, and enhanced comfort, the new train is expected to become the preferred choice for business and leisure travelers connecting Kerala’s commercial hub and Karnataka’s tech capital.
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