Vande Bharat in Kerala: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged-off Kerala’s first Vande Bharat Express from Thiruvananthapuram Central railway Station on April 25, Tuesday. India’s 16th Vande Bharat Express train commenced its maiden run today. The train will operate between Thiruvananthapuram Central and Kasaragod railway station.

Ahead of the inauguration, PM Modi took to his twitter account on April 23, and wrote, “I am eager to be among the people of Thiruvananthapuram on the 25th. Kerala’s first Vande Bharat Express would be flagged off, which will run between Thiruvananthapuram and Kasargod. 11 districts of Kerala will be covered. It will greatly benefit tourism and commerce.”

The Prime Minister also interacted with the students travelling in the new Vande Bharat Express.

This is the first semi-high speed train for Kerala and third for the Southern Railway (SR) zone. Several dignitaries including Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and others graced the occasion. Vaishnaw too had shared his excitement over the new train ahead of its launch.

Also Read: Good news for travellers! Indian Railways commences ticket booking for Thiruvananthapuram Central-Kasaragod Vande Bharat Express – Know booking process, fare

Thiruvananthapuram Central-Kasaragod Vande Bharat Express inaugural run:- 

On its inaugural run, this blue and white colour train departed from Thiruvananthapuram Central railway at around 11:00 am.  During its journey today, the train will stop at 14 stations – Kollam, Kayamkulam, Chengannur, Tiruvalla, Kottayam, Ernakulam Town, Chalakudi, Thrissur, Shoranur Junction, Tirur, Kozhikode, Thalassery, Kannur, and Payyanur. 

Inaugural run timings of Kerala first Vande Bharat Express:-

During its inaugural run, the new Vande Bharat Express will halt for a duration of two minutes at these 14 railway stations. On this day, the train would reach the destination in 10 hours and 45 minutes. 

  • Arrival at Kollam – 11:29 hrs
  • Arrival at Kayamkulam – 12:07 hrs
  • Arrival at Chengannur – 12:29 hrs
  • Arrival at Thiruvalla – 12:40 hrs
  • Arrival at Kottayam – 13:35 hrs
  • Arrival at Ernakulam Town – 14:42 hrs

Also Read: Indian Railways to soon begin production of 120 advanced Vande Bharat Express at THIS factory – Details here

  • Arrival at Chalakudi – 15:25 hrs
  • Arrival at Thrissur – 15:52 hrs
  • Arrival at Shoranur Junction – 16:39 hrs
  • Arrival at Tirur – 17:36 hrs
  • Arrival at Kozhikode – 18:33 hrs
  • Arrival at Thalassery – 19:44 hrs
  • Arrival at Kannur – 20:01 hrs
  • Arrival at Payyanur – 20:23 hrs

The national transporter has provided an opportunity for children, rail enthusiasts and the general public to get a glimpse of the prestigious train service.