THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Following the success of the first Vande Bharat train in Kerala, the railways have approved a second service for the state. Currently, Vande Bharat trains operate on the Thiruvananthapuram-Mangalore and Kasaragod-Thiruvananthapuram routes. Both trains boast the highest occupancy rates in the country, underscoring Kerala's strong demand for a third Vande Bharat service.

It has now been confirmed that the Ernakulam-Bangalore Vande Bharat train will commence service within two months, according to indications from the railways. This was disclosed by the Karnataka-Kerala Travelers Forum office bearers during a meeting with Divisional Operations Manager (DoM) Nainisree Ranganath Reddy at the South Western Railway Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) office.

The Vande Bharat rakes intended for the Ernakulam-Bangalore route had been lying idle in Kollam for months. They were recently taken from Kochuveli to Mangalore as a special train and are currently being used for the Madurai-Bangalore special service, as informed by the travel forum representatives.

Railway officials also mentioned plans to possibly resume the temporarily cancelled Yeswantpur-Kochuveli Garibrath Express service and are considering announcing the Onam holiday train a month in advance. The new Vande Bharat service will provide significant relief for Bengaluru Malayalees, who have struggled with ticket availability and high rates charged by private bus operators.