CHENNAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off South India's first Vande Bharat Express from Bengaluru. This train will run from Mysuru to Chennai via Bengaluru. According to the current system, a distance of 500 km can be covered in six and a half hours. With the upgrading of the track, it will take just three hours. In between Mysuru and Chennai, there will be only one stop- at Bengaluru City Junction. Officials say that the service will be available on all days except Wednesday.

This is the 5th Vande Bharat train in the country. The train features air-conditioned coaches only. Highlights of the Vandebharat include an audio-visual passenger information system, an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, automatic doors and reclining seats. The train also features better seats, interiors, underbody waterproof design, emergency lights and an air purification system. India's own 'Kavach' safety system has also been put in place to avoid collisions on the track.