India, Nov. 8 -- In a major boost to southern connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off the Ernakulam-KSR Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express, marking the launch of the first inter-state semi-high-speed train service linking Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, the Southern Railway announced.

Officials said the new service will strengthen business, education, and tourism ties between the three southern states. The train, featuring eight coaches, runs through major cities including Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Krishnarajapuram, before reaching KSR Bengaluru. It is also the third Vande Bharat train originating from Kerala, news agency PTI reported.

"The KSR Bengaluru-Ernakulam Vande Bharat Expr...