The much-hyped Bengaluru-Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express has been suddenly suspended after just one month, thus disappointing passengers. With Onam just around the corner, the sudden suspension of the service frustrated passengers who relied on this fast and efficient train to chalk out their travel plans.
Bengaluru-Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express Suspended
Running for three days a week, the Vande Bharat Express has been providing a useful link between Bengaluru and Ernakulam. The occupancy rate reflects the need for reliable service between these two important cities. For many passengers, this would have been a preferred mode of transport, appreciating its timing and comfortable service as opposed to most private buses, which are expensive and not so timely.
Reports quote that the lack of an official notification to continue the service is the reason behind the suspension of this service. Despite the service being popular and profitable as well, it looks like no timely decision was taken by the railway authorities. Surprisingly, this has raised many eyebrows, with many speculating that the pressure from the private bus lobby might have played a role in this decision. It is felt that private bus operators who have been fleecing intercity commuters for quite some time may look at this train as a certain danger to their business fortunes, more so during Onam season when traffic peaks in many routes.
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Discussions For Resumption Of Service
Discussions are on for the resumption of this service, which has been put on hold for the time being. The South Western Railway has hinted that it could return, maybe on a revised schedule. There has been a considered proposal to advance the departure from Bengaluru to 6:00 am instead of 5:30 am, but no word has come through officially.
This could not have come at a worse time. Onam is one of Kerala’s biggest festivals, and every employee heads down home to be with their families. And with the service stalled, passengers are reportedly travelling either by paying exorbitant private bus fares or using other trains, with no surety of getting seats.
Till now, passengers are awaiting a clear announcement from the railways. Though there’s a glimpse of hope about the Vande Bharat Express putting its wheels back on track very soon, the indefiniteness has left many anxious about their travel during the festive period.
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Meanwhile, the passengers have fewer choices left, and the traffic burden of alternative modes of transport is likely to increase. It is not certain whether the service will resume in time for Onam, but for the time being, there is little that the passengers can do except hope it does.
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