Happy news for Malayalis; Vande Bharat sleeper train coming to Kerala as well, these routes are being considered

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that the newly introduced Vande Bharat sleeper train will also be provided to Kerala. He said that efforts are being made to introduce Vande Bharat sleeper trains in all states. Kerala has already been allotted two Vande Bharat train services. However, the minister did not respond to questions on when the sleeper version will be introduced in the state.

At present, Kerala has only one Vande Bharat service operating outside the state, on the Ernakulam–Bengaluru route. Allowing a sleeper train on this route is expected to be beneficial for passengers. There are also demands for Vande Bharat sleeper services on the Kozhikode–Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram–Hyderabad routes. However, sources indicate that the Vande Bharat sleeper train in Kerala is likely to operate on the Thiruvananthapuram–Mangaluru route.

Meanwhile, ticket fares for the Vande Bharat sleeper trains have been announced. The fare will be Rs 2,300 for AC 3-tier, Rs 3,000 for AC 2-tier, and Rs 3,600 for AC First Class. The first Vande Bharat sleeper train service will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi this month on the Kolkata–Guwahati route. The service connecting West Bengal and Assam is being launched ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in both states.