Hyderabad revises Vande Bharat schedules for Bengaluru and Visakhapatnam routes
Passengers in Hyderabad and neighbouring cities will soon see changes in the schedules of the premium Vande Bharat Express trains, as the South Central Railway (SCR) has rationalised operations on two key intercity corridors. The move is aimed at improving punctuality, streamlining services, and enhancing passenger convenience.
From December 4, the Hyderabad–Bengaluru (Kacheguda–Yesvantpur) Vande Bharat Express will operate six days a week, with Friday as the non-operational day. Similarly, the Secunderabad–Visakhapatnam service will now run six days a week, barring Mondays, with the revised plan effective from December 5.Officials said the decision follows operational assessments, ensuring smooth connectivity while maintaining efficiency in train movements across the region. With Vande Bharat trains already emerging as the preferred choice for short and medium-distance travel, railway authorities believe this step will balance commuter demand with system readiness.
According to senior railway officials, the new plan will help avoid scheduling conflicts, especially with multiple trains running on high-density routes. By keeping one day free for each corridor, railways will have the flexibility to manage technical checks, maintenance, and route decongestion without inconveniencing passengers.For travellers between Hyderabad and Bengaluru, one of India’s busiest business and IT corridors, the change means greater predictability in planning journeys. The Secunderabad–Visakhapatnam corridor, which has witnessed consistently high ridership, is also expected to benefit from improved scheduling and service reliability.
The rationalisation comes at a time when Indian Railways is steadily expanding its fleet of semi-high-speed trains, with Hyderabad emerging as a key hub in the network. Officials said the adjustments also reflect the broader strategy to offer sustainable, reliable, and climate-friendly travel solutions. With a focus on reducing dependence on private vehicles and short-haul flights, the government has projected Vande Bharat as a cornerstone of greener intercity mobility.
The revised schedules underline an ongoing transition in India’s transport planning one where passenger comfort, environmental responsibility, and operational efficiency are being considered together. Experts argue that for cities like Hyderabad, which are rapidly urbanising, strengthening railway connectivity can help reduce congestion, lower carbon emissions, and create more equitable mobility options.For now, passengers have been advised to plan their journeys in line with the updated operational days. Officials reassured that the decision will not cut frequency in the long run but will streamline services to ensure safer and smoother travel.
