IR Train 18 235573Kasaragod Kerala Kasaragod

Tangerine & Dark Grey, color scheme of new VANDE BHARAT Express was allocated to my state by Indian Railways. And its inaugural run was arranged at a short notice from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram Central. That posed a problem for me as this train belonged Palakkad division and not Thiruvananthapuram division, where I reside. Hence I had to get the inaugural pass from Palakkad division. Inauguration was set for September 24th, 2023 at 1235 hrs by the Hon Prime Minister of India through video conference along with 8 other Vande Bharath Express. So on 23rd September, 2023 I started early morning train ride to Thrissur to get the inaugural pass for new Vande Bharat Express. By afternoon I got the pass as the Public Relations Officer of Palakkad division was quite friendly to the trainspotters community. The next issue was how to go to Kasaragod as no reservations available in any of the Kasaragod bound trains. Finally my friend and myself took the risk of boarding Antyodaya Express which is an unreserved train. Luck favoured us as the train wasnt crowded. This train reaches Kasaragod too early. So we went to Mangalore Jn and from there went to Mangalore Central and boarded Mangalore central - Coimbatore Express and came back to Kasaragod which was 45 minutes journey. By that time stage was set for inauguration. Cultural programs have started. We had our breakfast and by that time train was moved to platform 1 where I took this shot and people have started gathering to see the new color scheme Vande Bharat Express. By 1200 hrs all inaugural pass holders were boarded in the train and around 1250 hrs, Prime minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi , flagged of 9 VANDE BHARAT Express through video conferencing from his office in New Delhi. Thus a new chapter was added to semi-high speed era of Indian Railways. Currently Kasaragod - Thiruvananthapuram Central - Kasaragod Vande Bharat is the only Vande Bharat Express in the Tangerine & Dark Grey colors.