Vande Bharat on Chennai-Bengaluru route from November

CHENNAI: The Vande Bharat Express is likely to make its southern debut on November 10, when its fifth edition will be launched between Chennai-Bengaluru and Mysuru. The new rake will be ready by the end of the month. The timing of the train will be decided soon.
People will be able to travel to Bengaluru in a new and modern trainset but not faster as Southern Railway will run a Vande Bharat train from Chennai to Bengaluru and on to Mysuru next month. It is likely to be flagged off from Bengaluru to Mysuru on November 10.
The new rake being manufactured will be ready by the end of the month. Southern Railway will decide the timing and if it will be an additional train on the route or operated instead of Shatabdi express or Double Decker train.
Commuters, however, want speed. The Mysuru-Bengaluru-Chennai Shatabdi express covers the distance of 497km in 7.15 hours and from Bengaluru to Chennai in 5.15hours. In the return direction, the train takes 4.45 hours from Chennai to Bengaluru. Given the speed restrictions and other limitations, railways may run Vande Bharat train at 80-85 kmph like any other train on the route.
A senior railway official said that the timing of the train and the launch of scheduled services between Chennai and Mysuru will be decided soon. The inaugural train will be a special service.
R Pandia Raja, a member of zonal rail users consultative committee, said "The new train is beneficial only if the average speed can be at least 95-100kmph otherwise it is just a new train."
"Double decker should be scrapped and Shatabdi can take that slot till Bangalore. DD is only a last minute choice for travellers, never the first choice because of its seating and poor leg space. Brindavan Express chair car offers better seating and comfort," said T Frank, a regular commuter on the route.