Bangalore: Officials from the South Western Railway have maintained that the Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express service is expected to commence operations within two months. This disclosure came during a meeting with the Karnataka-Kerala Travelers Forum by Naini Sri Ranganadh Reddy, Manager of the Bengaluru Division - South Western Railway.

Meanwhile, forum members raised concerns about reports of the Railway's plan to temporarily halt the Garib Rath train service between Yeshwantpur and Kochuveli due to upcoming renovation works at Yeshwantpur Railway Station. In response, Reddy indicated that options such as starting the train from Chikkabanavara or Banaswadi are under consideration.

Additionally, forum members expressed dissatisfaction with the short notice of special trains during the Onam season, which they believe does not benefit Kerala travellers. In addressing this issue, officials assured that future announcements will be made at least a month prior to the Onam season.

Earlier this week, MP Hibi Eden met with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to discuss the longstanding demand for a Vande Bharat train on the Ernakulam-Bengaluru route and the establishment of an integrated rail terminal on 100 acres of underutilised railway land at Ponnurunni.

The introduction of the Vande Bharat Express service to Bengaluru aims to alleviate commuting challenges for passengers from Kerala. Despite dispatching a pair of Vande Bharat Express rakes to Kerala last year, these trains are currently operational outside the State.

Furthermore, the proposed integrated terminal is seen as essential for reducing congestion at Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town railway stations.