Much to passengers' delight, the Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat special train began its service on Wednesday. While it was the fulfilment of a long-term demand, travellers say that the service should be made permanent. However, many have complained that the timing of the return service -- the Bengaluru-Ernakulam (06002) Vande Bharat -- will not help Malayalis who want to travel to Kerala. On social media, many opine that the train's starting time should be extended considering the busy Bengaluru traffic.
'Change the starting time and station'
The Bengaluru-Ernakulam Vande Bharat starts at 5.30 am from the Bengaluru Cantonment station (BNC). Liyons J, of the passengers collective 'Friends on Rails,' says it would be more convenient if the timing is extended at least to 6 am. "First of all, BNC is a station like Kochuveli, near Thiruvananthapuram. It is not easy to travel to this station compared to other stations. Therefore, a 5.30 am start will be tough on the passengers." He opines that the Majestic (SBC) railway station would be a more convenient option for passengers.
K J Paul Manvettam, the president of the All Kerala Railway Passengers Association, says that the lack of metro connectivity is also an issue. "We definitely welcome the Bengaluru-Ernakulam Vande Bharat, but it would benefit more passengers if there is a change of starting station. The KSR station (aka Majestic), which is connected via metro, would be a better option. Also, it should be converted to an everyday service," he says.
'An elite-class train'
The complaint that the train still serves only the elite section of society is also rife. Liyons says, "Can't the Railways at least include two general compartments for the common man? Many passengers feel Vande Bharat services with such an option should also be introduced, rather than running it just for those who can reserve the tickets well in advance."
Vande Bharat schedule
According to the Southern Railway, the train is being operated as a special service due to the high demand from passengers. Vande Bharat rakes were brought to Kerala and taken to Karnataka twice in the past. This would be made a permanent service eventually, officials say, though no they have not specified a time frame for the upgrade.
Here's the special service schedule
06001 Ernakulam–Bengaluru (on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays)
Ernakulam (12.50 pm), Thrissur (1.53 pm), Palakkad (3.15 pm), Pothanur (4.13 pm), Tirupur (4.58 pm), Erode (5.45 pm), Salem (6.33 pm), Bengaluru Cantonment (10 pm).
06002 Bengaluru–Ernakulam (on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Mondays)
Bengaluru Cantonment (5.30 am), Salem (8.58 am), Erode (9.50 am), Tirupur (10.33 am), Pothanur (11.15 am), Palakkad (12.08 pm), Thrissur (1.18 pm), Ernakulam (2.20 pm).
