BENGALURU, Nov 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off Vande Bharat Express
train to run between Chennai and Mysuru via Bengaluru, on Friday. It is southern
India's first Vande Bharat Express.
Running all days except Wednesdays, the train will cover a distance of 497
km in 6 hours and 39 minutes. Besides Bengaluru, the train will halt at Katpadi
in Tamil Nadu.
As per the timings issued by the Railways, the semi-high speed train (160 kmph)
will depart Chennai at 5.50 am, arrive at Bengaluru at 10.15 am and reach Mysuru
at 12.20 pm. In the return direction, the train will leave Mysuru at 1.05 pm,
arrive at Bengaluru at 2.50 pm and reach Chennai at 7.30 pm.
The ticket fare will be double of Shatabdi Express. From Chennai Central railway
station to Mysuru, the fare will be Rs 1,200 for economy and Rs 2,295 for executive
class. From Mysuru to Chennai, the fare in economy is Rs 1,365 and Rs 2,485
for executive class.
“It is a world class made in India train and offers excellent comfort with
a host of modern facilities,” stated a Railway release.
Modi tweeted, "The Chennai-Mysuru Vande Bharat Express will boost connectivity
as well as commercial activities. It will also enhance ‘Ease of Living.’ Glad
to have flagged off this train from Bengaluru."
The Vande Bharat Express is part of 75 such trains expected to be running all
across India by the end of 2023.
Bharat Gaurav Kashi Darshan
The Prime Minister also flagged off Bharat Gaurav Kashi Darshan Yatra train
from Bengaluru to Varanasi (Kashi or Banaras), a popular Hindu pilgrimage centre.
It will have tourist halts at Ayodhya and Prayagraj. The train offers an 8-
day tour package at a subsidy of Rs 5,000.
Kempegowda Airport Terminal-2 opens
The eco-friendly Terminal-2 of the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in
Bengaluru, constructed at an estimated Rs 5,000 crore largely using bamboo,
was also inaugurated by Modi.
