Madurai to Bengaluru, Chennai Central to Nagercoil: PM Modi to launch 3 new Vande Bharat Express trains today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate three new Vande Bharat Express trains today, August 31, aiming to bolster connectivity across Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. This addition will further expand the extensive network of over 100 Vande Bharat Express trains currently operating across more than 280 districts.

Prime Minister @narendramodi to flag off three #VandeBharatExpress trains today.@RailMinIndiapic.twitter.com/crbrxqAQ3V

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) August 31, 2024

Details of the New Vande Bharat Express Trains

1. Chennai Central to Nagercoil Vande Bharat Express

Route & Timings:

The train will be officially launched from Chennai Central but will operate regularly from Chennai Egmore. It will run daily except Wednesdays.

Train No. 20627 will depart Chennai Egmore at 5:00 AM, making stops at Tambaram, Villupuram, Tiruchirappalli, Dindigul, Madurai, Kovilpatti, and Tirunelveli before reaching Nagercoil at 1:50 PM.

The return service, Train No. 20628, will leave Nagercoil at 2:20 PM and arrive in Chennai at 11:00 PM.

This service aims to facilitate pilgrims traveling to major religious sites such as the Arulmigu Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai and the Kumari Amman Temple in Kanniyakumari.

2. Madurai to Bengaluru Cantonment Vande Bharat Express

Route & Timings:

This train will run six days a week, excluding Tuesdays.

Train No. 20671 will depart from Madurai at 5:15 AM and reach Bengaluru Cantonment at 1:00 PM, with stops at Dindigul, Tiruchirappalli, Karur, Namakkal, Salem, and Krishnarajapuram.

The return train, No. 20672, will leave Bengaluru at 1:30 PM and arrive in Madurai at 9:45 PM.

🚆✨ Inaugural #Journey!

The much-awaited 02671 Madurai Jn – Bengaluru Cantonment #VandeBharat Special is all set to roll out on 31.08.2024#SouthernRailway pic.twitter.com/gSRFv6VGsg

— Southern Railway (@GMSRailway) August 30, 2024

The service will enhance connectivity between the temple city of Madurai and the cosmopolitan city of Bengaluru, Karnataka's capital.

3. Meerut City to Lucknow Vande Bharat Express

Route & Timings:

The train will commence regular operations from Lucknow on Sunday and from Meerut on Monday, running six days a week, excluding Tuesdays.

Train No. 22490 will leave Meerut City at 6:35 AM, stop at Moradabad and Bareilly, and arrive at Lucknow's Charbagh railway station at 1:45 PM.

The return service, Train No. 22489, will depart from Charbagh at 2:45 PM and reach Meerut City at 10:00 PM.

This train is expected to boost religious tourism by offering quicker access to pilgrimage sites including the Digambar Jain Temple, Mansa Devi Mandir, Surajkund Temple, and Augharnath Temple.