Public Relations Webdesk. The proposed launch of the Kachiguda-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express, originally scheduled for June-July, is likely to be delayed due to the Karnataka election results. It appears that since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is in power at the Centre, could not achieve favorable results in the elections, there is currently limited interest from the Central Government in starting the Vande Bharat Express between Telangana and Karnataka. Despite this the high passenger demand on that route. As a result, the launch has been put on hold. The Kachiguda-Bengaluru route connects the states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Sources say that there has been significant positive response from passengers for both the Secunderabad-Vizag and Secunderabad-Tirupati Vande Bharat Express trains. This is evident from the consistently high patronage of the Secunderabad-Tirupati Vande Bharat Express, more than 130 per cent, in both directions. Responding to passenger demand, the Indian Railways recently increased the number of coaches in the train from eight to 16.
Earlier, various divisions like Secunderabad, Hyderabad and Vijayawada were directed to upgrade their infrastructure and expedite preparations for maintenance of Vande Bharat train sets. This includes training of staff members for maintenance purposes.
Also, it is highly likely that the central government will replace the Secunderabad-Pune Shatabdi Superfast Express with the Secunderabad-Pune Vande Bharat Express. Shatabdi Express currently completes its journey from Secunderabad to Pune in approximately 8 hours 25 minutes, and comprises of two AC executive class coaches, nine AC chair car coaches and two EOG cars with limited stops.
The indigenously developed Vande Bharat Express has several world-class features including GPS-based passenger information system, automatic sliding doors, reclining seats, CCTV cameras in all coaches, LED lighting and charging points under every seat.
Tags: BJPs defeat Karnataka delay BengaluruHyderabad Vande Bharat launch
