Faster than flights: Bengaluru-Chennai bullet train would take only 73 minutes to travel between the two cities, compared with 4 hours 25 minutes on Vande Bharat, Railway minister Vaishnaw proposes

PM Modi had apprioved souther bullet train corridor linking Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Amaravati and Chennai. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said a proposed bullet train would take just 73 minutes, or one hour 13 minutes, between Bengaluru and Chennai. He said the two cities would “become one city”. He spoke after flagging off the Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper. Here is how the number compares with trains people use today.

Chennai-Mysuru Vande Bharat (20607/20608) is the fastest train on this route today. It takes about 4 hours 25 minutes to reach Bengaluru from Chennai, at an average speed of 81 kmph. A 73 minute bullet train would save 3 hours 12 minutes over it.

Chennai-Bengaluru Shatabdi Express (12027/12028) is the other premium choice. Its journey takes about 4 hours 45 minutes. Its average speed is 76 kmph. Against the promised 73 minutes, a bullet train would save 3 hours 32 minutes. That is almost an entire half day gone.

AC Double Decker Express (22625/22626) is a popular daytime option. RailYatri’s schedule lists the Chennai to Bengaluru run at 5 hours 45 minutes, and 6 hours 15 minutes in the other direction. A bullet train taking 73 minutes would cut between 4 hours 32 minutes and 5 hours of the trip.

Brindavan Express (12639/12640) covers 359 km. Its average journey at 6 hours 10 minutes. Lalbagh Express (12607/12608) takes about 5 hours 55 minutes, as per RailYatri. Against 73 minutes, a bullet train would save over 4 hours 40 minutes for these everyday passengers.

A direct flight between the two cities takes an average of 1 hour 4 minutes in the air. So a 73 minute bullet train would be almost the same as flying. The difference is the extras. Flying means airport transfers, check in and security. A train would run from city to city.

Chennai and Bengaluru are 359 km apart by rail. To cover that in 73 minutes, a train would need to average about 295 kmph. Today’s Vande Bharat averages about 81 kmph. That makes the bullet train about 3.6 times faster, if the new route is close to the same distance. The figures are our own estimate

For the nearer term, Vaishnaw said the Bengaluru-Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express will start within the next few weeks. He said electrification and testing on the route are complete. He said the train would give Mangaluru, Udupi and the coastal belt towards Karwar and Goa world class high speed connectivity.(Inputs from PTI)