The Southern Railway zone is ready to introduce the much-awaited Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express, a new addition to India’s expanding fleet of semi-high-speed trains. The service will significantly improve inter-state connectivity between Kerala and Karnataka, offering a blend of speed, comfort, and safety for daily and business travellers alike.
According to The Indian Express, the train is designed to cut travel time between the two cities to around 7 hours and 40 minutes, a sharp reduction compared to the existing options that take 10–12 hours.
Route and Key Stops
The Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 26651/26652) will operate between Ernakulam Junction (ERS) and KSR Bengaluru (SBC), passing through major commercial and industrial hubs in Tamil Nadu.
Stops along the route include:
- Thrissur
- Palakkad
- Coimbatore
- Tiruppur
- Erode
- Salem
- Krishnarajapuram
This alignment not only strengthens trade and passenger movement between Kerala and Karnataka but also benefits daily commuters from industrial centres like Coimbatore and Erode.
Schedule and Frequency
The train will operate six days a week, with Wednesdays reserved for maintenance, according to The Hindu.
Train No. 26651 (Bengaluru → Ernakulam):
- Departure: 05:10 AM from KSR Bengaluru
- Arrival: 01:50 PM at Ernakulam
Train No. 26652 (Ernakulam → Bengaluru):
- Departure: 02:20 PM from Ernakulam
- Arrival: 11:00 PM at KSR Bengaluru
The train’s maximum speed is 160 kmph, although operational limits will depend on track sections and safety parameters.
Coach Composition and Features
The Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express will comprise eight air-conditioned coaches:
- 7 Chair Cars
- 1 Executive Chair Car
Built with advanced technology, these coaches offer:
- Ergonomic seating
- Automatic doors and quick boarding systems
- GPS-based passenger information
- Enhanced braking and safety features
Kerala’s Expanding Vande Bharat Network
This marks the third Vande Bharat train for Kerala, joining:
- Kasargod–Thiruvananthapuram–Kasargod (20633/20634)
- Mangalore–Thiruvananthapuram–Mangalore (20631/20632)
Both have significantly reduced travel times and improved intercity convenience.
A Boost for Regional Connectivity
With the addition of the Ernakulam–Bengaluru route, Southern Railway aims to strengthen cross-state mobility, improve tourism and business travel, and provide a premium alternative to road transport.
This new Vande Bharat Express not only underscores Indian Railways’ modernization drive but also reaffirms its focus on transforming passenger experience with speed, comfort, and reliability at the core.
