Launch of Kerala’s Second Vande Bharat Express on September 24

Kerala is all set to introduce its second Vande Bharat Express, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the service via video conference on September 24. The train’s journey will commence at 7 am from Kasaragod and conclude in Thiruvananthapuram at 3.05 pm. The return trip will start at 4.05 pm, arriving back in Kasaragod at 11.55 pm.

Unlike the previous Vande Bharat Express that operated through Kottayam, this new one will run through Alappuzha. In case Thiruvananthapuram Central Station experiences a lack of available platforms, the service will be temporarily terminated at Kochuveli in the initial phase.

The train will make stops at Kannur, Kozhikode, Shoranur, Thrissur, Ernakulam South, Alappuzha, and Kollam. The journey from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram will take approximately eight hours, while the return trip will be completed in 7.55 hours. Services will be available six days a week.

In addition to the Thiruvananthapuram – Kasaragod route, the Southern Railways has received approval for two other Vande Bharat trains: Chennai Central – Vijayawada and Chennai Egmore – Tirunelveli services.

The launch of Kerala’s new express will coincide with the flag-off of nine other Vande Bharat Expresses nationwide. The train has undergone a trial run from Chennai Basin Bridge to Katpadi.