Kochi: The much-awaited Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express takes to the tracks today, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagging off the service from Varanasi. The premium high-speed train will connect two major South Indian cities, offering a swift and comfortable travel experience.
The inaugural run begins from Ernakulam South Railway Station, following a successful trial run earlier this week. Ticket fares are set at ₹1,095 for the chair car and ₹2,289 for the executive chair car.
Union Ministers Suresh Gopi and George Kurian will attend the ceremony. Regular services will commence next Tuesday, operating six days a week.
As per the official schedule, the train will leave KSR Bengaluru at 5:10 AM and arrive in Ernakulam by 1:50 PM. The return service departs Ernakulam at 2:20 PM, reaching Bengaluru at 11:00 PM — covering the journey in just 8 hours and 40 minutes. The train will not operate on Wednesdays.
The Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat (Train Nos. 26651/26652) will halt at 11 key stations, including Thrissur, Shoranur, Palakkad, Podanur, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Jolarpettai, and Krishnarajapuram, ensuring faster and smoother connectivity for passengers across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
