In a bid to enhance transportation infrastructure and provide commuters with a world-class travel experience, Kerala is gearing up to introduce the highly anticipated ‘Vande Metro Service.’ With ten potential routes currently under consideration, this ambitious project aims to transform the state’s commuting landscape and offer a seamless, efficient, and comfortable journey for passengers.
As part of the railway budget for the year 2023-24, Kerala has been allocated the ‘Vande Metro’ train services, which will connect cities located around 200 kilometers apart. The project is being considered for both Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad divisions, with five routes each under evaluation. Among the routes currently under consideration are Ernakulam-Kozhikode, Kozhikode-Palakkad, Palakkad-Kottayam, Ernakulam-Coimbatore, Thiruvananthapuram-Ernakulam, Kollam-Tirunelveli, Kollam-Thrissur, Mangalore-Kozhikode, and Nilambur-Metupalayam.
To ensure utmost comfort for passengers, the Vande Metro trains will be equipped with 12 fully air-conditioned coaches. The trains are expected to operate at a maximum speed of 130 kmph.
The first Vande Metro train rake is set to roll out from the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Perambur, Chennai, in November. The introduction of the Vande Metro Service is expected to bring numerous benefits to Kerala.
