Bengaluru, Nov 8 (NationPress) The Ernakulam–KSR Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express was warmly welcomed at the KSR Bengaluru Railway Station on Saturday, representing yet another significant advancement in India's deployment of world-class semi-high-speed rail services.

This train was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi via video conference earlier in the day, highlighting the ongoing national commitment to enhancing rail infrastructure.

Notable attendees included Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H. D. Kumaraswamy, senior BJP MP P.C. Mohan, and key officials from the South Western Railway, along with railway engineers, staff, and representatives from the public.

The new service marks the 12th Vande Bharat Express in Karnataka, bolstering high-speed connectivity among major southern cities.

Union Minister Kumaraswamy described this railway service as a landmark achievement in the evolution of India’s mobility.

He stated, "Each Vande Bharat added to our network signifies the confidence and capability of a self-sufficient India crafting its future through innovation."

He further emphasized the technological advancements behind this railway initiative, stating, "This train embodies the essence of 'Make in India' -- designed, constructed, and refined by our own engineers and industry. It demonstrates how India is confidently advancing towards a swifter and more technologically sophisticated future."

Addressing the significance of the route for interstate connectivity, the Union Minister remarked, "The Ernakulam–Bengaluru corridor links two dynamic hubs of commerce, education, and culture. This service will greatly improve convenience for thousands of passengers relying on quicker and reliable rail options."

He also highlighted the wider implications of such infrastructure: "Transport infrastructure transcends speed; it connects people, opportunities, and aspirations across states."

Officials from the South Western Railway echoed these sentiments, underscoring that the Vande Bharat project represents a remarkable achievement in design, engineering excellence, and modernization focused on passenger needs.

The launch of this railway service is anticipated to bolster economic interaction between Karnataka and Kerala, facilitate travel for professionals and students, and provide a renewed impetus to tourism and trade between the two states.

The event concluded with accolades for the workforce of Indian Railways, who played a pivotal role in the successful introduction and operation of the new Vande Bharat Express.