The long-awaited Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express was inaugurated on November 8, marking a significant advancement in South India’s railway infrastructure. The semi high-speed service promises to enhance connectivity across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, while offering passengers a faster and more comfortable travel experience.
The new service will reduce travel time by over two hours, completing the journey between Ernakulam Junction and Bengaluru’s KSR Station in 8 hours and 40 minutes. The train will link major commercial, IT, and educational centres, providing a much-needed upgrade to inter-state rail travel in the region.
Key stops along the route include Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, and Salem, making it a convenient option for professionals, students, and tourists alike.
According to a Railway Board notification issued on Friday, Train No. 26651 will depart KSR Bengaluru at 5:10 am and reach Ernakulam Junction at 1:50 pm. The return service, Train No. 26652, will leave Ernakulam at 2:20 pm and arrive in Bengaluru at 11 pm, ensuring same-day connectivity in both directions.
The launch comes as part of a broader national rollout of the Vande Bharat Express network. Alongside the Ernakulam–Bengaluru route, three other services—Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, and Firozpur–Delhi—have also commenced operations, according to news agency PTI.
With this launch, the Southern Railway now operates 12 pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains, further extending India’s semi high-speed rail network.
The Ernakulam–Bengaluru route is expected to strengthen trade, tourism, and educational ties among the three southern states. The sleek design, improved seating comfort, and advanced onboard features promise a premium experience for passengers.
The Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express is a semi high-speed train introduced by Indian Railways to improve connectivity between Kerala and Karnataka via Tamil Nadu.
The train completes the journey in 8 hours and 40 minutes, reducing travel time by more than two hours compared to existing services.
Major halts include Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, and Salem, serving business travellers, students, and tourists.
Train 26651: Departs KSR Bengaluru at 5:10 am, arrives Ernakulam at 1:50 pm.
Train 26652: Departs Ernakulam at 2:20 pm, arrives Bengaluru at 11:00 pm.