Sir,

Vande Bharat Express — previously known as Train 18, a semi-high-speed, electric multiple unit train — from Chennai to Mysuru to be inaugurated on Nov. 11 by Prime Minister Modi puts Mysuru on the map of semi-high-speed rail. Thanks to our MP Pratap Simha.

But the question that remains in everyone’s mind is: Is it going to be beneficial to the common man in terms of journey time and money?

 Most people from Mysuru travel to Bengaluru on this train and only around 30 percent to Chennai. Travel time from Mysuru to Bengaluru is 1 hour 45 minutes, but from the other side, it is 2 hours. Not sure why it is so.

The current Shatabdi Express also covers the distance in the same amount of time. Timing from Chennai to Bengaluru is updated as 4 hours 35 minutes whereas the current Shatabdi takes 4 hours 50 minutes. There is no stoppage at Katpadi Junction, unlike Shatabdi. But the fare of Vande Bharat would be a lot more compared to Shatabdi. Will this be profitable or a White Elephant to the South Western Railway just like current Shatabdi on weekdays?

The current Wodeyar Express also covers the same distance in 2 hours with stops in Kengeri and Mandya. But officially it is slowed down in timetable making it run in 2 hours 30 minutes.

The current track speed is limited to 110 kilometres per hour. Tracks need to be modified to accommodate 130 kilometres per hour speed to get the best of Vande Bharat — Delhi to Varanasi, a distance of 760 km is covered in 8 hours with an average of 96 kilometres per hour at a max speed of 130 kilometres per hour. We could see the benefits of Vande Bharat only if the tracks are upgraded and thoroughly tested at 130 kilometres per hour. With the curves and gradients, it looks like a distant dream.

The introduction of a Jan Shatabdi at the same time would have made it more meaningful and helpful to common people. Is it more of pride than utilisation?

On the other hand, the current Shatabdi Express could be replaced by Jan Shatabdi instead of having two luxury superfast trains to the same destination almost at the same time.

– Vasanth Ramu, J.P. Nagar, 2.11.2022

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