Frequent delays on the Bengaluru-Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express have triggered passenger complaints, with commuters raising concerns over repeated disruptions and lengthy travel delays.
Kochi: Passengers travelling on the Bengaluru-Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express have voiced growing frustration over recurring delays, prompting many to directly approach Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw through social media. The latest disruption saw the train leave Ernakulam around six and a half hours behind schedule, further fuelling concerns among regular commuters.
The train, scheduled to depart Ernakulam at 2.20 pm on Tuesday, reportedly left at 9.07 pm. Instead of reaching Bengaluru at around 11 pm the same day, it arrived the following morning at approximately 7.51 am, resulting in a delay of nearly nine hours.
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The situation was compounded by delays in the opposite direction as well. The Vande Bharat service from Bengaluru to Ernakulam, scheduled to leave at 5.10 am, reportedly departed more than five hours late. Since the same rake is used for return operations, delays on one leg of the journey often affect subsequent services.
The route is particularly important for thousands of Malayalis who work, study or travel regularly between Kerala and Bengaluru. Many passengers have expressed concern that repeated schedule disruptions are affecting work commitments, academic schedules and onward travel plans.
According to railway authorities, passengers were informed in advance about the delays. Officials attributed the disruption to traffic regulation and maintenance work in the Whitefield section of the Bengaluru Division. They explained that delays in the incoming service from Bengaluru had a cascading impact on the return journey from Ernakulam.
Railway officials also stated that operational adjustments linked to infrastructure works were necessary and that efforts were being made to minimise inconvenience. However, passengers have argued that recurring delays are undermining the reliability of one of the country's flagship semi-high-speed train services.
The complaints have renewed calls for Indian Railways to improve schedule management on the busy Bengaluru-Kerala corridor, especially given the route's importance for daily and weekly travellers.
Published: 13 Jun 2026, 07:25 pm IST
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