Kochi, Nov 8 (NationPress) The inauguration of Kerala's third Vande Bharat Express, which links Ernakulam with Bengaluru, transformed into a joyful celebration filled with music and emotions on Saturday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually launched the service from Varanasi.

At the Ernakulam South railway station, a special event took place where school students sang patriotic tunes inside the coaches, creating a festive atmosphere for the inaugural journey. Present at the event were Kerala Governor Rajendra V. Arlekar, Union Minister of State for Fisheries George Kurian, State Law Minister P. Rajeeve, and MPs Hibi Eden and T.J. Vinod, who were there to flag off the train in person.

Southern Railway described the occasion as a “melody of joy,” reflecting the enthusiasm of passengers and staff as the blue-and-white semi-high-speed train embarked on its journey amidst a jubilant send-off.

Initially set to depart at 8 a.m., the train left around 8:45 a.m.

The Vande Bharat Express connecting Ernakulam and Bengaluru had successfully completed its trial run just a day prior and now enhances the state's expanding fleet of semi-high-speed trains, which are revolutionizing short-distance intercity travel.

During the same ceremony, the Prime Minister inaugurated four additional Vande Bharat services from Varanasi, connecting Banaras-Khajuraho, Lucknow-Firozpur, and Delhi, in addition to the Ernakulam-Bengaluru route.

This new train will traverse a distance of 608 km in nine hours, making 11 stops at Thrissur, Shoranur, Palakkad, Podanur, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Jolarpettai, Krishnarajapuram, and KSR Bengaluru.

It is scheduled to depart Ernakulam at 2:20 p.m., arriving in Bengaluru by 11 p.m. The return trip will leave Bengaluru at 5:10 a.m. and reach Ernakulam at 1:50 p.m.

Railway officials stated that this new service will greatly improve connectivity between Kerala's commercial center and Karnataka's tech hub, catering to business travelers, students, and tourists.

This initiative also signifies another achievement in the government's effort to broaden the Vande Bharat network throughout southern India.

With songs, cheers, and excited crowds marking its launch, the train set off as more than just a transportation option; it symbolizes speed, comfort, and the united aspirations of two neighboring states.