Following the horrific bus fire accident at Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh that claimed at least 19 lives and left several others injured on Friday, passengers travelling between Hyderabad and Bengaluru are calling for safer and more reliable alternatives, particularly better train connectivity and more convenient flight options.
Currently, 28 trains operate between the two capitals on different days and timings, including the Yesvantpur–Kacheguda Vande Bharat Express, according to railway officials. However, regular commuters said the existing train services are inadequate, especially for those who prefer overnight journeys or need to reach Bengaluru early in the morning for work.
“Bengaluru and Hyderabad are among the country’s major cities, yet the railway connectivity between them has been ignored,” said Prashanth Prabhu, a regular commuter from K.R. Puram.
“Railways should ensure proper and frequent trains between the two cities. A comfortable overnight train like the Karnataka Sampark Kranti Express, was unnecessarily diverted, stretching the journey to nearly 19 hours. At present, only two proper overnight trains operate between Bengaluru and Hyderabad, and one of them is inexplicably curtailed to Yelahanka,” Mr. Prabhu added.
The recent temporary suspension of the Yesvantpur–Kacheguda Vande Bharat Express on Fridays had also sparked concern among frequent travellers, especially those commuting for weekend work or personal trips. The service was later reinstated by the Railway following passenger demand.
According to Pavan Kumar, a regular traveller between the two cities, the reinstatement was a welcome move. “The reversal ensures that travellers retain access to the premium Friday service, which is vital for weekend commuters. The Vande Bharat is fast and comfortable. It departs from Kacheguda at 5.45 a.m. and reaches Yesvantpur by 2.00 p.m., while the return service leaves Yesvantpur at 2.45 p.m. and arrives in Kacheguda by 11.00 p.m. It runs six days a week, except on Wednesdays when it undergoes maintenance.”
Flights
Meanwhile, while numerous flights operate daily between the two cities, the convenience factor remains a challenge for many. Though the flight duration is around one hour and twenty minutes, the overall travel time, including the commute to Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport can stretch to more than three hours, including check-in time.
Ravi Prasad, another regular commuter from Whitefield, said, “The problem with flights is not the flying time but the time it takes to get to the airport. It takes nearly two hours just to reach Bengaluru airport, and when you add check-in and security, it becomes a stressful and expensive affair. Trains are more comfortable and affordable for most travellers. Even buses, particularly KSRTC’s AC sleeper coaches, offer a better overnight option as they’re cheaper than flights and reasonably comfortable for a nine-hour journey.”
Published – October 24, 2025 10:12 pm IST
