The tri-weekly Vande Bharat Express on the Ernakulam-Bengaluru route has been met with enthusiasm from commuters, yet passenger associations are pressing for significant enhancements to better meet demand.
Currently operating on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, the service departs Ernakulam Junction (ERS) at 12:50 p.m., arriving at Bengaluru Cantonment (BNC) at 10:00 p.m. The return leg, Train No. 06002, leaves BNC at 5:30 a.m. and reaches ERS at 2:20 p.m. on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Mondays. Passenger groups, including Rails, a consortium of frequent travellers from the Kollam-Alappuzha-Ernakulam corridor, have raised concerns regarding the early morning departure time from BNC. They advocate for a revised departure time of 6:00 a.m., arguing that the current timing poses difficulties for commuters given the station’s distance from the city centre.
The All Kerala Railway Passengers’ Association is championing the cause for converting the Vande Bharat Express into a daily service. They highlight the substantial and growing demand for this route, suggesting that the addition of a 16-coach rake—up from the current eight-coach configuration—would significantly alleviate overcrowding and enhance comfort. Furthermore, they propose extending the service to KSR Station near the Majestic Bus Stand in Bengaluru. Such an extension would provide better connectivity to nearby metro stations, facilitating easier access for passengers. Echoing these sentiments, the Secretary of the Kerala-Bengaluru Train Users’ Forum has expressed support for both the daily operation of the Vande Bharat Express and the allocation of an additional rake.
He lauded the inclusion of a stop at Krishnarajapuram, which he believes will greatly benefit the Kerala diaspora settled in Bengaluru, as well as those employed in the city. These calls for improvement underscore the growing expectation among commuters for more frequent and spacious services. The proposed changes reflect a broader demand for efficient and comfortable travel options on this key corridor, essential for fostering better regional connectivity and supporting the mobility needs of the travelling public.
