PM Modi flags off South India's first Vande Bharat Express in Bengaluru

The train connects Mysuru and Chennai via Bengaluru

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the first Vande Bharat train (T18) of Karnataka and the Bharat Gaurav Kashi Darshan Train at KSR Bengaluru Station here on Friday.

The Vande Bharat train will connect Mysuru and Chennai via Bengaluru six days a week except for Wednesday. As per the timings issued by the Railways, the train will depart Chennai at 5.50 am, arrive at Bengaluru at 10.15 am and reach Mysuru at 12.20 pm. In the return direction, the train will leave Mysuru at 1.05 pm, arrive at Bengaluru at 2.50 pm and reach Chennai at 7.30 pm.

The indigenous T-18, known for its semi-high speed engine (160 kmph), upgrades the air-conditioned train with a suave design, executive-class approach and safety features. Reclining seats in all classes, 180-degree rotating seats in executive class, divyang-friendly washrooms, seat belts and infotainment system.

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The Bharat Gaurav train will connect Bengaluru with stops at Varanasi via Hubballi, Belagavi, Miraj, Pune along with tourist halts at Ayodhya and Prayagraj. The theme-based train seeks to bring light on the cultural and historical heritage of India to the travelling public. It will be operated by the state government’s Muzrai Department.

As per the timings notified by the railways, the train (06553) will reach Banaras railway station at 4 pm on November 13. In the return direction the train (06554) will depart from Banaras at 05:30 am on November 15 and arrive at Bengaluru at 06:40 PM on November 18.

Modi thanks Bengaluru

Hundreds of supporters who stood on the roadside to greet Narendra Modi cheered Modi as his car arrived at Sangolli Rayanna Circle. The prime minister got down from his car and walked around briefly to wave at them.

Later, the PM thanked the people for their support. “Thank you Bengaluru for the memorable welcome to this dynamic city,” he tweeted.