Prime Minister Modi flags off the inaugural run of Mysuru – Bengaluru - Chennai Central Vande Bharat Express today from Bengaluru
Semi-high speed train manufactured indigenously in Tamil Nadu (ICF/Chennai) commences its maiden journey in South India
First Vande Bharat service connecting the Southern States of Tamil Nadu and
Karnataka
This new version of Aircraft likeVande Bharat Express is equipped with superior passenger amenities and advanced safety features including anti-collision system
Shri NarendraModi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India flagged off the inaugural run of Mysuru – Bengaluru-Chennai Vande Bharat Express from KSR Bengaluru today (11th November 2022) at 10:25 hours. Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Governor, Karnataka, Shri Basavaraj S. Bommai, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri AshwiniVaishnaw, Union Minister of Railways, Communications, Electronics and Information Technology, Shri Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Minesand other dignitaries attended the function at Bengaluru.
This inaugural special train stoppedat all 40stations enroute. Large number of Rail enthusiasts, children and general public who thronged various stations to get a first glimpse of the indigenously manufactured Vande Bharat Train, welcomed the service and expressed happiness. The select passengers travelling in the inaugural run of the Vande Bharat Express were presented with a Souvenir Ticket to make their maiden trip memorable.
Excerpts from Prime Minister’s speech
·Gauge conversion works being expedited at a faster pace will result in many new locations being identified on the Indian Railways map. Our railway stations are being revamped and rail passengers visiting the newly revamped Sir M.Visvesvaraya Terminal will get a world-class experience. We are working on redeveloping major railway stations in the country like this.In Karnataka, Bengaluru Cantt., Yeshvantur stations will be revamped.
·We are aiming to expand our airline connectivity so that more and more towns and cities are interlinked through airways.
·Vande Bharat type trains are a symbol of progressive India. More and more Vande Bharat Express trains and Vistadome coaches will be inducted in the future.
Grand reception for Vande Bharat at Dr MGR Chennai Central station
The inaugural special Vande Bharat Express was accorded a warm welcome atPuratchiThalaivarDrM.G.Ramachandran Chennai Central station by large number ofpassengers, members of passenger associations, school children and general public. Shri R.N.Singh, General Manager, Principal Heads of Departments, Shri Ganesh, DRM, Chennai and otherOfficers and staff of Southern Railway were present to welcome the inaugural special and greeted the passengers.
The Vande Bharat service will be a boon for passengers especially businessmen and diplomats who travel regularly on Chennai – Bengaluru – Mysuru corridor. The regular service of Vande Bharat train commencing from 12th November 2022 would cover Chennai – Bengaluru (336 Km) in 4 hrs and 30 minutes and between Chennai – Mysuru in 6 hrs and 40 minutes as against 4 hours and 45 minutes (Chennai –Bengaluru )&7 hours (Chennai –Mysuru) being clocked by Shatabdi Express.
Novel features of Vande Bharat Express
New Vande Bharat rake is a Semi High speed train indigenously manufactured, under "Make in lndia" by the lntegral Coach Factory, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and offers a myriad of superior aircraft-like travelling experience. lt is equipped with advanced and safety features including an indigenously developed Train Collision Avoidance System called ‘Kavach’.
All coaches are equipped with automatic doors, on-board hotspot Wi-Fi for entertainment purposes, and very comfortable seating. All toilets are of bio-vacuum type. Every coach has a pantry with facility to serve hot meals, hot and cold beverages.It also has Wi-Fi content on-demand facility and every coach is equipped with 32” screens providing Passenger Information and Infotainment. For the convenience of differently-abled passengers, facilities such as seat handles with seat numbers in Braille letters, reclining seats in all classes and 180 degree rotating seats in Executive Cars have been provided. This train has also been provided with four platform side cameras outside the coach, including rear view cameras. The improved Vande Bharat Express weighs 392 tons as compared to the previous version of 430 tons.
The train has a composition of 16 coaches which include 14 Chair Cars and 2 Executive Chair Cars. The total seating capacity is 1128.
Regular Service and Ticket Fare
Regular services of Vande Bharat Express will commence from 12th November 2022, from both ends. The bookings for Vande Bharat Express from Chennai to Mysuru is open and can be made from the IRCTC website.
Vande Bharat offers superior travel experience and state-of-the-art facilities at relatively affordable fares. on certain segments, the ticket fare of Vande Bharat Express is cheaper than Shatabdi Express services. For instance, the ticket fare in AC Chair Car by Vande Bharat Express is Rs.940 only compared to Rs. 1130 in AC Chair Car coach of Shatabdi Express. In other segments, the difference is marginal only, ranging from Rs.15 upto Rs.405 (an average difference of around Rs.200).
Southern Railway working on speed raising of Chennai – Bengaluru corridor
Speed raising in all major sections is one of the top priorities of Southern Railway. The maximum permissible speed in Chennai –Bengaluru is currently 110 kmph. The work for increasing the speed to 130 kmph in Chennai - Arakkonam section is already completed. Southern Railway has taken steps for obtaining sanction for the same from competent authority. In the Arakkonam –Jolarpettai-Bengaluru section work has already commenced for increasing the speed to 130 kmph. This is expected to be completed by April 2023. once this is done, the average speed of Vande bharat and other trains will also be raised, resulting in further easing of time for passengers.
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