Sat Nov 08 11:05:32 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article:

Summary:

Prime Minister Modi virtually inaugurated the Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express, along with three other Vande Bharat trains, from Varanasi. The Ernakulam-Bengaluru train’s inaugural run took place on Saturday, November 8, 2025. Dignitaries were present both virtually and physically. The train is expected to reduce travel time between the two cities by over two hours, serving several cities in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Regular service starts November 11th (except Wednesdays). Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi highlighted the need for track upgrades to accommodate more high-speed trains in Kerala. This new train is Kerala’s third Vande Bharat and the first interstate one. The total number of Vande Bharat trains in the country now exceeds 160.

News Article:

Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express Launched, Ushers in New Era for South Indian Rail Travel

KOCHI, November 8, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the highly anticipated Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express via video conference from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The new train, which commenced its inaugural run from Ernakulam Junction earlier today, promises to significantly reduce travel time between the two major South Indian cities.

Decked out in flowers and balloons, the Ernakulam Junction-KSR Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express (06652) departed at 8:41 AM amidst celebratory drumming. Alongside this route, the Prime Minister also flagged off three other Vande Bharat trains as part of a nationwide initiative to modernize India’s railway infrastructure.

“Trains like Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat are laying the foundation for the next generation of Indian Railways,” stated Prime Minister Modi during the virtual ceremony.

The Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express is expected to cut travel time by over two hours, completing the journey in a brisk 8 hours and 40 minutes. The route will serve major cities including Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, and Salem. Regular six-day-a-week service (excluding Wednesdays) will commence on November 11th. The KSR Bengaluru – Ernakulam Jn Vande Bharat Express (26651) will depart KSR Bengaluru at 5:10 AM and reach Ernakulam Jn at 1:50 PM. The return train (26652) will leave Ernakulam Jn at 2:20 PM and arrive in KSR Bengaluru at 11:00 PM.

Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi, speaking from onboard the inaugural run, hailed the Vande Bharat trains as a “revolution on rails.” He also addressed the limitations hindering the introduction of more high-speed trains in Kerala, emphasizing the need for track doubling and the straightening of existing sharp curves. “The Railway is ready for anything, but the State government will have to provide the land and get the sharp curves straightened,” he asserted.

The inaugural journey included children from various schools, selected based on a drawing competition, alongside government officials and other dignitaries.

This launch marks the third Vande Bharat service for Kerala and the first inter-State Vande Bharat connecting Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. With the addition of the four newly inaugurated trains, the total number of operational Vande Bharat trains across the country has now surpassed 160, signifying a major leap forward in India’s railway modernization efforts.

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