BENGALURU: The Indian Railways has successfully completed the trial run of the new Vande Bharat Express service on the Madurai to Bengaluru route. This high-speed train promises to cut travel time significantly, completing the journey in just eight hours, compared to the ten or more hours taken by other trains.
The trial run commenced from Madurai Railway Station at 5:15 AM and reached the SMVT terminal at Baiyappanahalli, Bengaluru at 1:15 PM. The return leg saw the train departing from Bengaluru SMVT at 1:45 PM and arriving back in Madurai at 10:25 PM, marking a successful trial of the much-anticipated service.
Originally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was slated to inaugurate the new Vande Bharat service at a ceremony in Chennai on June 20. However, with the postponement of his visit, the flag-off event has also been delayed.
The Vande Bharat Express, known for its speed and efficiency, is part of Indian Railways’ initiative to modernise the nation’s train services. This new service between Madurai and Bengaluru is expected to enhance connectivity and provide a faster, more comfortable travel option for passengers.
In the meantime, Kerala continues to await the launch of its third Vande Bharat train service. Initially, it was announced that the service would run from Kochi to Bengaluru, but recent reports suggest it might be reassigned to either the Thiruvananthapuram-Chennai or Thiruvananthapuram-Coimbatore routes. The delay has left many in Kerala eagerly waiting for the improved connectivity and travel convenience that the Vande Bharat service promises.
The Vande Bharat Express is a symbol of India’s growing capabilities in high-speed rail technology. It is designed to offer enhanced passenger comfort with features such as automated doors, onboard Wi-Fi, GPS-based passenger information systems, and superior seating. The train’s ability to significantly reduce travel time makes it a game-changer in India’s rail transport sector.
The successful trial run of the Bengaluru-Madurai route is a significant milestone for Indian Railways, showcasing their commitment to enhancing the efficiency and appeal of train travel in the country. The eventual launch of this service is expected to bring substantial benefits to the daily commuters and the overall connectivity between these major cities.
As Indian Railways continues to expand its Vande Bharat services, the emphasis remains on delivering faster, more reliable, and more comfortable travel experiences for passengers. The completion of the trial run marks a crucial step towards realising this vision, with the new Madurai-Bengaluru service set to be a significant addition to the network.
