Southern Railway Launches First Inter-State Premium Service Linking Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka; Regular Operations Begin November 9, 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off the Ernakulam–KSR Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express, initiating Southern Railway’s first inter-state semi-high-speed premium service designed to seamlessly connect the major hubs of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. This new eight-coach train represents a major boost to travel efficiency across the highly trafficked corridor.
The service significantly reduces the time taken to traverse the 583-kilometer Bengaluru–Ernakulam route. Currently, intercity trains require more than 11 hours to cover this distance, but the new Vande Bharat Express will complete the journey in a swift 8 hours and 40 minutes, offering the fastest connectivity yet on this high-demand route.
Route and Schedule Details
Regular operations for the new service are set to begin on November 9, 2025. The train will operate six days a week, observing a scheduled day off every Wednesday. The route includes vital stops across Kerala and Tamil Nadu, connecting major cities such as Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, and Salem, before reaching Krishnarajapuram and KSR Bengaluru. Officials specifically highlighted that this Vande Bharat is the first to serve Palakkad, often known as the “Gateway of Kerala.”
- The outbound service will depart KSR Bengaluru at 5:10 am, reaching Ernakulam, Kerala’s commercial hub, at 1:50 pm.
- The return journey will depart Ernakulam at 2:20 pm, arriving back in Bengaluru at 11:00 pm.
Fares and Economic Boost
The premium service features a competitive fare structure, reflecting the enhanced speed and onboard amenities. Chair Car (CC) seats are priced at ₹1,095, while Executive Class seats are available for ₹2,289. Railway officials anticipate that the new link will provide a substantial boost to the regional economy. By linking the three states, the train is expected to facilitate easier travel for business, education, tourism, pilgrimage, and healthcare purposes, serving a broad segment of the populace.
Premium Onboard Experience
The Vande Bharat model offers a host of modern features designed to provide a premium passenger experience. These features include:
- Automatic doors for enhanced safety and convenience.
- Ergonomic seating and reading lights.
- GPS-based infotainment systems.
- Bio-vacuum toilets for improved hygiene.
- Onboard Wi-Fi services.
This service is the third Vande Bharat Express to originate from Kerala, joining the existing services that connect the northern and southern ends of the state: the Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram (via Kottayam) route and the Thiruvananthapuram to Mangaluru Central (via Alappuzha) route. With more than 164 Vande Bharat trains now operating across the country, the Ernakulam–KSR Bengaluru link marks a key development in high-speed inter-state connectivity in Southern India.
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