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Hyderabad-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express
The highly anticipated Vande Bharat Express, colloquially known as Train 18, is set to begin its operations between Bengaluru and Hyderabad starting September 25, 2023. The inauguration of this semi-high-speed train service will be graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, scheduled to coincide with his birthday celebration.
This pioneering Vande Bharat Express is India's first semi-high-speed train, boasting a maximum operational speed of 180 kmph. It is a fully air-conditioned, self-propelled train set, incorporating cutting-edge features such as automatic doors, bio-vacuum toilets, a GPS-based passenger information system, onboard Wi-Fi, CCTV cameras, and sliding footsteps.
With a total of 736 seats available, the train will comprise two executive chair car coaches, each with 52 seats, and eight chair car coaches, accommodating 78 passengers each. For travelers seeking a luxurious experience, the executive class fare is priced at Rs 2,400, while the chair car class is available at Rs 1,200.
The Vande Bharat Express will operate six days a week, excluding Wednesdays. It will efficiently traverse the 610-kilometer journey in a swift eight and a half hours, maintaining an impressive average speed of 71 kmph. Departing from Bengaluru's Yeshwantpur station at 5:30 am, it will reach Hyderabad's Kacheguda station by 2 pm. On its return journey, it will leave Hyderabad at 2:45 pm and arrive in Bengaluru at 11:15 pm.
The train will facilitate travel between these two tech-savvy cities with five stoppages en route: Dharmavaram, Kurnool City, Mahbubnagar, Shadnagar, and Anantapur. The strategically placed stoppage at Shadnagar aims to enhance connectivity to Hyderabad's bustling international airport.
Regrettably, the train will not traverse via Raichur, as initially proposed. This deviation from the plan is due to technical limitations. The South Western Railway (SWR) had suggested routing the train via Raichur to reduce travel time by 45 minutes. However, the Railway Board did not grant approval as it would necessitate the electrification of the Raichur-Guntakal section.
The advent of the Vande Bharat Express is poised to bolster connectivity and tourism between Karnataka and Telangana, both prominent southern states. Additionally, it will offer passengers a rapid and comfortable mode of travel, an appealing alternative to current bus and flight options.
This marks the third Vande Bharat Express for both Karnataka and Telangana. Karnataka's initial two Vande Bharat trains facilitate travel from Mysuru to Chennai via Bengaluru and from Bengaluru to Dharwad. Meanwhile, Telangana's first two Vande Bharat trains connect Secunderabad to Visakhapatnam and Tirupati, further enhancing rail connectivity in the region.
The commencement of the Bengaluru-Hyderabad route ushers in a new era of efficient and convenient travel options for passengers between these prominent cities, aligning with India's commitment to expanding its modern rail network.
