The eight-coach train will significantly reduce travel time and offer a faster, more comfortable option for passengers between Bengaluru and Ernakulam, Kerala’s commercial hub.
Southern India received a major connectivity boost as Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains on Saturday, including the Ernakulam–KSR Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express. This is the Southern Railway’s first inter-state semi-high-speed premium service, connecting Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
The eight-coach train will significantly reduce travel time and offer a faster, more comfortable option for passengers between Bengaluru and Ernakulam, Kerala’s commercial hub.
According to officials, the new train will strengthen inter-state connectivity and promote tourism, business, and education across the three southern states.
The train runs through key cities — Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, and Salem — before reaching Krishnarajapuram and finally KSR Bengaluru.
Southern Railway said, “The KSR Bengaluru–Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express will offer seamless travel between Bengaluru and Ernakulam, Kerala’s commercial hub.”
Chair car tickets are priced at ₹1,095, while executive class tickets will cost ₹2,289.
This is the third Vande Bharat Express originating from Kerala, further enhancing the state’s high-speed rail network.
Kerala already operates two Vande Bharat services — Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram (via Kottayam) and Thiruvananthapuram to Mangaluru Central (via Alappuzha). With this new service, passengers now have faster access between northern and southern parts of the state and direct connectivity to Bengaluru.
Currently, existing intercity trains take over 11 hours to cover the 583-km Bengaluru–Ernakulam route. The new Vande Bharat will cut travel time to 8 hours and 40 minutes, making it the fastest train on this corridor.
Regular operations will begin on November 9, 2025. The train will depart Bengaluru at 5:10 am and reach Ernakulam at 1:50 pm. On its return journey, it will leave Ernakulam at 2:20 pm and arrive in Bengaluru at 11 pm.
The service will operate six days a week, except on Wednesdays.
The train is equipped with modern amenities to enhance passenger experience. Features include GPS-based infotainment systems, Wi-Fi, automatic doors, reading lights, ergonomic seats, and bio-vacuum toilets.
Southern Railway emphasized that this is the first Vande Bharat to serve Palakkad, known as the “Gateway of Kerala.”
Officials noted, “By linking Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the train will support travel for business, education, tourism, pilgrimage and healthcare.”
According to the Railway Ministry, more than 164 Vande Bharat trains are now operating across India. These semi-high-speed trains are known for their comfort, reduced travel times, and modern features.
The launch of the Ernakulam–KSR Bengaluru Vande Bharat marks another step in transforming Indian Railways’ passenger services, offering southern travellers a faster and more luxurious travel option.
