Thiruvananthapuram: The state will get the much awaited Vande Bharat train next month. A test run may be conducted in mid-May. It is reported that the service will start soon after that. Like the Chennai-Coimbatore route, Kerala will also get an eight-car (coach) train. The number of coaches will be increased later after assessing the number of passengers.
The report states that the preparations for conducting the Vandebharat service are almost complete. Trains will be repaired at Kochuveli. Two pit lines have been electrified for this purpose.
In the first phase, it is possible to run from Thiruvananthapuram to Kannur. The final decision regarding this will be taken soon. The service will be through Kottayam. Vande Bharat will roar at a speed of 100 km per hour. It is understood that Vandebharat will allow stops only in major cities as more stops will slow down the speed.
Vandebharat has 90 seats, LED light above them, charging points below the seats, free Wi-Fi, large screens to inform about the journey, GPS, AC that adjusts the temperature automatically according to the number of passengers, etc.