A new Vande Bharat Express service between Bengaluru and Ernakulam is set to begin operations by mid-November, bringing long-awaited relief to thousands of regular commuters between Karnataka and Kerala. Confirmed by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the train will run via Palakkad and serve key cities enroute.
The new route will include stops at Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Erode, and Salem, covering the journey in approximately nine hours. The service comes after the discontinuation of a temporary tri-weekly train on the same route over a year ago, and the recent downgrade of the KSR Bengaluru-Ernakulam Superfast Express to an express category, which reduced overall speed and convenience for travellers.
The introduction of the semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express is poised to significantly enhance connectivity across key industrial and commercial centres in southern India. With scheduled stops at Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, and Salem, the service will cater to a wide range of commuters, including business travellers, students, and families.
The announcement has sparked especially widespread appreciation, particularly from the large Malayali community based in Bengaluru’s IT sector. These cities are also vital hubs in Tamil Nadu’s textile and manufacturing sectors, and improved rail links are expected to streamline movement between Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, encouraging trade, tourism, and employment opportunities.
For passengers from Palakkad and Thrissur, the new train offers a much-needed upgrade in both speed and comfort. Currently, travellers often rely on slower, overcrowded express trains or long bus journeys to reach major destinations like Coimbatore or Bengaluru. The Vande Bharat’s faster schedule and modern amenities promise a more efficient and pleasant travel experience.
By addressing long-standing concerns over inadequate rail options on this route, the service is likely to ease congestion on existing trains and improve overall accessibility across the region. This initiative reflects the railway ministry’s broader push to enhance inter-state connectivity and respond to the travel needs of growing urban populations in southern India.
When will the new Vande Bharat Express between Bengaluru and Ernakulam start operations?
The new Vande Bharat Express is expected to begin service by mid-November 2025, as confirmed by the Railway Ministry.
What route will the Bengaluru–Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express follow?
The train will run via Palakkad and make scheduled stops at Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, and Krishnarajapuram.
How long will the journey between Bengaluru and Ernakulam take on the Vande Bharat Express?
The journey is expected to take approximately nine hours, offering a faster and more comfortable option compared to existing services.
Why is this new train service significant for South India?
The Vande Bharat Express will boost rail connectivity between Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, benefiting commuters, professionals, and business travellers along the route.
5. Will this train help commuters from other cities like Coimbatore and Tiruppur?
Yes, passengers from Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, and surrounding areas will benefit from faster access to major cities like Bengaluru and Ernakulam.
