Starting July 31, the Vande Bharat Express will revolutionize travel between Bengaluru and Kochi, offering a faster and more comfortable journey. This new train service marks a significant upgrade, aiming to meet the increasing demand for efficient travel between these two major cities. Here’s what you need to know about this exciting new route.

Timings and Schedule

The Vande Bharat Express will operate three times a week in each direction, providing a total of 12 trips between Bengaluru and Kochi. Here’s a breakdown of the schedule:

  • Ernakulam to Bengaluru Cantonment:
  • Train Number: 06001
  • Departure: Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 12:50 pm from Ernakulam Junction
  • Arrival: 10:00 pm at Bengaluru Cantonment
  • Bengaluru Cantonment to Ernakulam:
  • Train Number: 06002
  • Departure: Thursdays, Saturdays, and Mondays at 5:30 am from Bengaluru Cantonment
  • Arrival: 2:20 pm at Ernakulam Junction

This new service will make stops at several key locations, including Thrissur, Palakkad, Podanur, Tiruppur, Erode, and Salem.

Travel Time and Features

The Vande Bharat Express promises to cut down the usual travel time significantly. With a journey time of approximately nine hours, it is set to be the fastest train on this route, compared to the current 10-12 hours taken by other services.

The train is equipped with eight coaches, which include seven chair cars and one executive class. This setup ensures a comfortable journey, whether you’re traveling in the standard or premium class.

Ticket Fare

Ticket prices for the Vande Bharat Express are as follows:

  • Chair Car: ₹1,465 (includes meals)
  • Executive Class: ₹2,945

Reservations are already open for the Ernakulam-Bengaluru Cantonment service, while bookings for the return journey are expected to commence soon.

Future Plans

Bengaluru continues to expand its Vande Bharat network with existing routes to Chennai, Mysuru, Dharwad, Kalaburagi, Hyderabad, and Coimbatore. Plans are also in the works for a new service to Madurai, further enhancing the connectivity of this major city.

For those planning to travel between Bengaluru and Kochi, the Vande Bharat Express offers a promising option, blending speed with comfort to make your journey as pleasant as possible.