Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Vande Bharat Express Connecting Chennai and Bengaluru:
India's cutting-edge Vande Bharat Express, celebrated for its semi-high-speed prowess, embarks on a nocturnal journey, introducing an overnight service between Chennai and Bengaluru. Commencing from November 21, 2023, this strategic initiative aims to streamline travel during festive seasons and assess passenger interest in nocturnal rail services.
The Vande Bharat Express, affectionately known as Train 18, boasts remarkable features. Crafted by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai within a mere 18 months, this semi-high-speed marvel can cruise at speeds up to 160 kmph. With 16 coaches, including two executive chair cars and 14 chair cars, the train is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities such as automatic doors, GPS-based passenger information systems, Wi-Fi hotspots, bio-vacuum toilets, CCTV cameras, and a fire alarm system.
Key Facts:
- Operational Days: The Vande Bharat Express will operate six days a week, excluding Wednesdays.
- Route and Stops: Covering a distance of 497 km from Chennai to Mysuru via Bengaluru in approximately six and a half hours, the train will make stopovers at Katpadi and Bengaluru.
- Fares: The fares range from Rs 995 for chair cars to Rs 1885 for executive chair cars from Chennai to Bengaluru. For the Chennai to Mysuru route, the fare is Rs 1200 for chair cars and Rs 2295 for executive chair cars, including catering charges.
- Inauguration: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express on November 12, 2023, at KSR Bengaluru City railway station, marking its entry as the fifth Vande Bharat Express in the country and the first in South India.
The Overnight Vande Bharat Special:
The Southern Railway introduces an innovative twist to the Vande Bharat Express saga by launching an overnight service between Chennai Central and SMVT Bengaluru. Departing at 11 PM from Chennai Central on November 21, the train is expected to reach SMVT Bengaluru at 4:30 AM on Wednesday, covering the journey in approximately 5.30 hours.
This overnight service is a response to the festive holiday rush, aiming to gauge passenger response. Typically, all 34 existing Vande Bharat trains operate during daylight hours. The Southern Railway's move to introduce an overnight Vande Bharat Express is unique and represents a strategic attempt to manage crowd dynamics during peak travel times.
Passenger Response and Future Plans:
The Southern Railway's decision to operate an overnight Vande Bharat Express stems from the success of earlier special train services during Diwali. The trial is designed to assess passenger reception to nocturnal rail services, presenting an opportunity to explore the viability of expanding such services in the future.
Undoubtedly, the Chennai-Tirunelveli special trains received overwhelming patronage, prompting the Southern Railway to venture into new realms. The inclusion of an overnight Vande Bharat Express service aligns with the evolving preferences of passengers, especially for business travelers frequenting the Chennai-Mysuru route.
As the Vande Bharat Express continues to redefine the railway experience, this latest innovation marks a crucial step in adapting to changing travel patterns and ensuring efficiency and convenience for passengers traversing the bustling corridor between Chennai and Bengaluru.
