Kochi: The Ernakulam–KSR Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express, Kerala’s third high-speed train service, was virtually flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today. The inaugural ceremony at Ernakulam railway station was attended by Governor Rajendra Arlekar and Union Ministers George Kurian and Suresh Gopi.
The special inaugural train departed from Ernakulam at 8:50 AM, with Union Minister Suresh Gopi traveling up to Thrissur. The train is scheduled to arrive in Bengaluru at 5:50 PM, marking a significant step in enhancing rail connectivity between Kerala and Karnataka.
Indian Railways has announced the Chair Car and Executive Chair Car fares for various stations along the Ernakulam–KSR Bengaluru route. These fares provide passengers with options for a faster and more comfortable journey.
**Fares when traveling towards Ernakulam:**
* Ernakulam: Chair Car – Rs 1095, Executive Chair Car – Rs 2289
* Salem: Chair Car – Rs 566, Executive Chair Car – Rs 1182
* Erode: Chair Car – Rs 665, Executive Chair Car – Rs 1383
* Tiruppur: Chair Car – Rs 736, Executive Chair Car – Rs 1534
* Coimbatore: Chair Car – Rs 806, Executive Chair Car – Rs 1681
* Palakkad: Chair Car – Rs 876, Executive Chair Car – Rs 1827
* Thrissur: Chair Car – Rs 1009, Executive Chair Car – Rs 2110
**Fares when traveling towards Bengaluru:**
* Thrissur: Chair Car – Rs 293, Executive Chair Car – Rs 616
* Palakkad: Chair Car – Rs 384, Executive Chair Car – Rs 809
* Coimbatore: Chair Car – Rs 472, Executive Chair Car – Rs 991
* Tiruppur: Chair Car – Rs 550, Executive Chair Car – Rs 1152
* Erode: Chair Car – Rs 617, Executive Chair Car – Rs 1296
* Salem: Chair Car – Rs 706, Executive Chair Car – Rs 1470
* KR Puram: Chair Car – Rs 1079, Executive Chair Car – Rs 2257
**Comparison with AC Fares on Other Trains:**
The Vande Bharat Express fares offer a premium travel experience. For context, here’s how they compare to AC ticket prices on other existing train services:
* Bengaluru – Ernakulam Intercity Express: AC Chair Car ticket is Rs 790.
* Bengaluru – Kanyakumari Express: Third Economy AC is Rs 915, Third AC is Rs 995, Second AC is Rs 1410, and First AC is Rs 2350.
* Yeshwanthpur – Thiruvananthapuram AC Express: Third AC is Rs 1030, Second AC is Rs 1440, and First AC is Rs 2405.