New Delhi, November 1, 2025: Indian Railways is poised to expand its semi-high-speed network with the launch of four new Vande Bharat Express trains, further consolidating its efforts to provide faster, safer, and more comfortable rail travel across the country. The Ministry of Railways has officially released the schedule for the Bengaluru–Kochi Vande Bharat Express, which is expected to commence operations shortly. Alongside this, three additional Vande Bharat services are scheduled to operate on the Firozpur Cantt–Delhi, Varanasi–Khajuraho, and Lucknow–Saharanpurroutes, marking a significant expansion of the high-speed rail footprint in both northern and southern India.

The upcoming trains will operate across six states, namely Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and the National Capital Territory of Delhi, reflecting the government’s continued focus on enhancing regional connectivity and modernizing the country’s railway infrastructure. According to a senior railway official quoted by The Indian Express, “Four new Vande Bharat trains have been notified,” underscoring the importance of these additions in furthering India’s semi-high-speed rail ambitions.

Bengaluru–Kochi Vande Bharat Express: Schedule and Connectivity

The Bengaluru–Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express, numbered 26651, will depart from KSR Bengaluru at 5:10 am and is scheduled to arrive at Ernakulam Junction by 1:50 pm, covering the distance in approximately eight hours and forty minutes. The return service, train number 26652, will leave Ernakulam at 2:20 pm and reach Bengaluru at 11:00 pm, offering passengers a convenient same-day return option.

The train will make scheduled halts at several intermediate stations, enhancing connectivity for key cities along the route. These stations include Krishnarajapuram, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Palakkad, and Thrissur, allowing passengers from these regions to access high-speed rail services to both Bengaluru and Ernakulam.

The Ministry of Railways has directed the Southern Railway and South Western Railway zones to launch the Bengaluru–Ernakulam service “at the earliest possible date.” The notification also permits the inaugural service to operate as a special train, which would later integrate into the regular schedule once the link and operational preparations are finalized. This train will mark the third Vande Bharat Express service in Kerala, following the Thiruvananthapuram–Kasaragod and Thiruvananthapuram–Mangaluru routes. With this addition, passengers traveling between Karnataka and Kerala will benefit from faster travel, reduced journey times, and the comfort associated with Vande Bharat services.

Other New Routes: Expanding High-Speed Rail in Northern and Central India

Alongside the Bengaluru–Kochi route, Indian Railways has announced three other new Vande Bharat services that aim to strengthen connectivity in northern and central India:

1. Firozpur Cantt–Delhi Vande Bharat Express: This train will link multiple cities in Punjab to the national capital, providing a faster alternative to conventional express trains and improving access for commuters, students, and professionals traveling between Punjab and Delhi. The service is expected to significantly reduce travel time for passengers traveling on this busy route, offering modern amenities and reliable schedules that Vande Bharat trains are known for.
2. Varanasi–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express: This route will connect the culturally and historically significant city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh with Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its ancient temples and architecture. The train will cater not only to daily travelers but also to domestic tourists, promoting tourism and regional economic development by offering a faster and more comfortable alternative to existing train services.
3. Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express: Serving the northern corridor of Uttar Pradesh, this train will connect the state capital, Lucknow, to Saharanpur in the northwest, enhancing connectivity between central Uttar Pradesh and the bordering regions of Uttarakhand. This service will facilitate smoother travel for business travelers, students, and local commuters, while also supporting economic integration across these regions.

Significance and Features of the Vande Bharat Expansion

Vande Bharat Express trains have become a benchmark for modern rail travel in India due to their semi-high-speed capabilities, air-conditioned coaches, and advanced passenger amenities. These trains are equipped with features such as automatic doors, bio-toilets, GPS-based passenger information systems, and ergonomic seating designed for comfort during long journeys.

The introduction of four new Vande Bharat services will not only reduce travel time significantly compared to conventional express trains but also encourage regional tourism, improve access to educational and professional hubs, and provide a safer travel experience for passengers. The trains are expected to support the government’s broader objectives of economic growth, regional integration, and modern infrastructure development.

In addition, these new trains will promote sustainable travel by offering high-speed rail services as a viable alternative to air travel on certain routes. By connecting multiple cities and regions efficiently, Vande Bharat trains help reduce reliance on slower and less efficient rail services, while providing a modern, comfortable, and reliable transportation option.

Operational Preparedness and Inauguration

Preparations for the new Vande Bharat trains are reportedly well underway, with railway authorities coordinating across multiple zones to ensure that infrastructure, rolling stock, and crew readiness meet operational standards. For the Bengaluru–Kochi service, the Southern and South Western Railway zones have been instructed to prioritize the launch to provide passengers with a seamless experience from the outset.

While exact inauguration dates for the Firozpur Cantt–Delhi, Varanasi–Khajuraho, and Lucknow–Saharanpur services have not yet been formally announced, officials have indicated that all necessary arrangements, including crew training, station preparations, and safety checks, are in progress. The ministry has emphasized the importance of launching these services promptly to expand the semi-high-speed network and provide faster connectivity to passengers.

Implications for Travelers and Regional Development

The new Vande Bharat trains are expected to enhance travel convenience across six states, connecting major urban centers, industrial hubs, and cultural landmarks. By providing a faster alternative to traditional trains, these services will save passengers time, improve travel comfort, and create additional opportunities for tourism and business.

For Kerala, the Bengaluru–Kochi train is particularly significant as it strengthens connections between the state and Karnataka, facilitating smoother movement for students, professionals, and tourists. Similarly, the Firozpur Cantt–Delhi, Varanasi–Khajuraho, and Lucknow–Saharanpur trains will enhance regional integration in northern and central India, improving access to employment, education, and cultural sites.

The expansion of Vande Bharat services aligns with the Indian government’s broader strategy of modernizing the railway network and promoting semi-high-speed connectivity as a driver of economic growth and regional development. By offering faster, safer, and more comfortable travel, these trains are set to become an increasingly popular choice for domestic travelers.

Conclusion

The launch of four new Vande Bharat Express trains represents a major step forward in India’s efforts to modernize its rail infrastructure and expand semi-high-speed connectivity. With the Bengaluru–Kochi route ready to begin operations and the northern and central routes under preparation, passengers across six states can expect faster, safer, and more comfortable journeys.

The new trains are anticipated to reduce travel times, support regional tourism, and promote economic development while providing world-class rail travel experiences. As Indian Railways rolls out these services, it reinforces the government’s commitment to enhancing connectivity, modernizing infrastructure, and ensuring that citizens benefit from faster and more reliable transportation options. With the Vande Bharat network growing steadily, India is on track to achieve a robust, high-speed rail system capable of meeting the demands of an increasingly mobile and dynamic population.