Popular Kochi-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Train Service Axed by Indian Railways

The highly popular Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat train service has been abruptly withdrawn by Indian Railways, despite consistently high passenger numbers. The service, which had been extended until August 26th, has been terminated without notification, fueling speculation about the reasons behind the decision. The train’s occupancy rate rivaled that of other Vande Bharat services in Kerala, with a reported 105% occupancy on the Ernakulam-Bengaluru route and 88% on the return journey. Some officials have suggested that the service will be reinstated after a proposed one-hour delay in the Bengaluru departure time is approved. However, others have raised concerns about potential influence from private bus lobbies, suggesting that the withdrawal may be intended to benefit these operators. The service, which launched in July 2023, was initially a three-day-a-week operation. The sudden cancellation has sparked public frustration and renewed criticism of the Indian Railways’ handling of passenger services in Kerala.