PM Modi flags off South India's first Vande Bharat Express, check train timing

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the inaugural special of south India's first Vande Bharat Express at Krantiveera Sangolli Railway station in Bengaluru on Friday.

The train connects Mysuru and Chennai via Bengaluru. This is the fifth Vande Bharat Express train in the country. Along with that, the Prime Minister also flagged off Bharat Gaurav Kashi Darshan Train.

The Indian Railways had launched India’s first indigenous Semi-High Speed train- Vande Bharat Express on February 15, 2019 on the New Delhi – Kanpur- Allahabad –Varanasi route.

Further, Vande Bharat Express trains have been commenced on New Delhi- Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Gandhinagar Capital – Ahmedabad – Mumbai Central, and Amb Andaura – New Delhi routes.

This new train will enhance connectivity between the industrial hub of Chennai, the tech-cum-startup hub of Bengaluru and the famous tourist city of Mysuru, PIB notification read.

It further read, “It will offer airline-like comfort and redefine the travel experience by train.”

Vande Bharat Express is equipped with advanced state-of-the-art safety features including an indigenously developed Train Collision Avoidance System - KAVACH. The train’s time to reach 160 kmph is just 140 seconds. There will be driver guard communication with voice recording facility.

Side recliner seat facility is made available for all classes. The Executive Coaches have the added feature of 180-degree rotating seats.

Timings of Mysuru- Chennai Vande Bharat Express

• The fare of Train No.20607 MGR Chennai Central Station to Mysuru is Rs 1,200 for Chair Car and Rs 2,295 for Executive Class.
• The fare of Train No.20608 Mysuru to MGR Chennai Central Station is Rs 1,365 for Chair Car and Rs 2,485 for Executive Class.

No concession and Child fare shall be admissible in the above Vande Bharat Express trains.

Bengaluru – Varanasi Bharat Gaurav Kashi Darshan

Bharat Gaurav Train from Bengaluru to Kashi has also been started which will offer comfortable and convenient rail travel, boarding, stay and darshan facilities in an all-inclusive package.

This train will also go through Hubballi, Belagavi thereby benefiting not only the devotees of Bengaluru but also those from North Karnataka who wish to travel to Kashi. This train will go through Prayagraj and Ayodhya.

After flagging off the pilgrims' train Bharat Gaurav Kashi Darshan, PM Modi tweeted, "I would like to compliment Karnataka for being the first state to take up the Bharat Gaurav Kashi Yatra train. This train brings Kashi and Karnataka closer. Pilgrims and tourists will be able to visit Kashi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj with ease."

I would like to compliment Karnataka for being the first state to take up the Bharat Gaurav Kashi Yatra train under the Bharat Gaurav scheme. This train brings Kashi and Karnataka closer. Pilgrims and tourists will be able to visit Kashi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj with ease. pic.twitter.com/dN8Mx8f2uf

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 11, 2022

The cost of the trip is Rs 20,000 of which Rs 5,000 is provided as subsidy by the State government. The first train journey will carry around 600 pilgrims.

(PIB)