The proposed service is anticipated to run on Saturdays and Sundays, pending approval from higher authorities.
Bengaluru may soon introduce another Vande Bharat Express, with the Southern Railway proposing a semi-high-speed train connection between Bengaluru and Ernakulam on weekends. This expansion is intended to alleviate the rush during the upcoming Deepavali festival and is expected to be an extension of the existing weekend Bengaluru – Chennai and Chennai – Bengaluru services.
As per available information, the train is scheduled to depart from Bengaluru at 4 am on Fridays, making its way to Ernakulam. It is projected to arrive at Ernakulam junction around 1:30 pm, departing for the return journey by 2 pm. The same day, at 10 pm, the train is set to reach Bengaluru. If the necessary approvals are granted by higher authorities, the service will also be available on Saturdays and Sundays.
Additionally, there are indications of another Vande Bharat Express being introduced in Karnataka, connecting Mangaluru and Goa, with a target launch date by the end of the year.
Nalin Kumar Kateel, a BJP leader and Dakshina Kannada MP, previously conveyed that the railway minister had provided assurances about the introduction of a Vande Bharat Express for coastal Karnataka, particularly the Goa – Mangaluru route. During a meeting in New Delhi, he also made a request to the minister not to extend the Bengaluru-Kannur train up to Kochi, and the minister reportedly responded positively to this suggestion.
Furthermore, plans have been approved for running an early morning train from Subrahmanya Road station to Mangaluru and an evening train from Mangaluru to Subrahmanya Road.
Currently, Bengaluru is already served by Vande Bharat trains connecting Chennai, Mysuru, Hubbali-Dharwad, and Hyderabad.
