Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates Kerala’s Second Vande Bharat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched Kerala’s second Vande Bharat train during an inaugural ceremony held at Kasaragod railway station. The event, which took place via video conferencing, saw the participation of Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav. This inauguration coincided with the launch of Vande Bharat services in eight other states across India.

The Prime Minister expressed his optimism that Vande Bharat signifies the renewed spirit and energy of New India, emphasizing that it won’t be long before this railway service connects the entire nation. He cited India’s strengths in democracy, demography, and diversity, exemplified by the successful G20 summit. Additionally, he noted the Railways’ initiative to celebrate railway station birthdays.

Advance ticket bookings for the second Vande Bharat train commenced a day before the inauguration. Regular services will begin with departures from Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesdays and from Kasaragod on Wednesdays. The Kasaragod-Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat Express, adorned with saffron colors, operates with eight coaches, serving passengers between Kasaragod and Thiruvananthapuram via Alappuzha. However, it will not run on Tuesdays. Similarly, the Thiruvananthapuram-Kasaragod service of this train does not operate on Mondays.

This addition of the second Vande Bharat train in Kerala enhances connectivity across the state, offering morning and evening services between its southern and northern regions. Travelers can now conveniently commute with departures from both Kasaragod and Thiruvananthapuram at different times of the day. Furthermore, there are two routes available, one via Kottayam and the other via Alappuzha, further improving travel options within the state.