In a surprising move, the Indian Railways has discontinued the Vande Bharat Express service on the Ernakulam-Bengaluru route, despite its high demand and popularity among passengers. This decision has sparked widespread disappointment and frustration, especially with the upcoming Onam festival season, a peak travel period.
High Demand and Occupancy Rates
The Vande Bharat Express, known for its speed and comfort, had been operating with full seat occupancy. The service was particularly favored by passengers traveling between Kerala and Bengaluru, many of whom rely on this route for their daily commute or festive travel plans. The train’s high occupancy rate of 105% on the Ernakulam-Bengaluru corridor highlights its significance and the pressing need for such services.
Reasons Behind the Discontinuation
The discontinuation has been attributed to the lack of an official notification to extend the special service. Despite generating profits and being a preferred choice for many, the service was halted abruptly, catching passengers off guard.
Impact on Passengers
The sudden suspension of the Vande Bharat service has left many passengers in a lurch, especially those who had planned their travel around the Onam festival.
The discontinuation of the Vande Bharat Express on this crucial route underscores the need for better planning and communication from the Railways to ensure that passenger needs are met, especially during peak travel seasons.
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