Chennai-Tirunelveli Vande Bharat Express likely to be inaugurated by PM Modi on August 6

Tamil Nadu is set to witness the launch of its third Vande Bharat train service, connecting Chennai with Tirunelveli, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to flag off the train on August 6th, 2023. The introduction of this high-speed train service is expected to significantly reduce travel time for passengers compared to regular express trains, saving up to 2 hours on the Chennai-Nellai route.

The Vande Bharat train will cover a distance of 658 km in just 8 hours, making it a swift and efficient mode of transportation. Operating with 8 coaches, the train will have limited stops, halting only at Trichy and Madurai.

In preparation for the upcoming launch, the Divisional Manager of Madurai has conducted inspections of three railway stations - Cheranmahadevi, Kallur, and Palayamkottai - to identify potential locations for the maintenance facility of the Vande Bharat train. This move reflects the railway authorities' commitment to ensuring smooth operations and maintenance of the train service.

The Vande Bharat train service was first introduced between Delhi and Varanasi in 2019, and it has since gained popularity for its speed and efficiency. Presently, a total of 25 Vande Bharat trains are operational across the country, offering passengers a comfortable and time-saving travel experience.

In Tamil Nadu, the state's existing Vande Bharat train services include the route from Chennai Central to Mysuru via Bangalore and another from Chennai to Coimbatore.