Vande Bharat trains have made rail travel between major cities and popular destinations faster and more convenient, with several routes now connecting different parts of the country. The network is set to expand further with a proposed service linking Bengaluru and Goa via Mangaluru and several towns along Karnataka’s coastal belt. Scroll down to know more about it.
The Upcoming Bengaluru-Goa Vande Bharat Express
According to The Hindu, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated on September 29 that the existing Mangaluru Central–Madgaon Vande Bharat Express will be extended to Yesvantpur in Bengaluru via Mangaluru Junction. The extended service will operate with new train numbers 26655/26656 as the Yesvantpur–Madgaon–Yesvantpur Vande Bharat Express. The proposed route will connect Bengaluru with several destinations across coastal Karnataka before reaching Madgaon in Goa.
However, the railways have not yet officially announced the timetable for the extended service. However, sources cited by the portal said the Yesvantpur–Madgaon Vande Bharat (26655) is likely to depart Yesvantpur at 6.05 am and reach Madgaon at 7.15 pm. The return service, Madgaon–Yesvantpur Vande Bharat (26656), is expected to leave Madgaon at 5.30 am and reach Yesvantpur at 6.40 pm on the same day.
The proposed train is expected to halt at the following stations:
- Yesvantpur (Bengaluru)
- Shravanabelagola
- Hassan
- Sakleshpur
- Subrahmanya Road
- Kabaka Puttur
- Mangaluru Junction
- Udupi
- Kundapura
- Byndoor
- Murdeshwar
- Gokarna Road
- Karwar
- Madgaon (Goa)
Also Read: Mumbai-Bengaluru Special Train To Run From October 10; Check Timings, Stoppages
What This Means For Travellers?
The existing Mangaluru Central–Madgaon Vande Bharat has been in operation since December 31, 2023, and covers the route in around 5 hours and 30 minutes. Its proposed extension will provide a direct Vande Bharat connection between Bengaluru, coastal Karnataka and Goa.
The proposed Bengaluru–Madgaon service is expected to take around 13 hours. However, passengers have urged the Railways to reduce the journey time to around 11 hours. There is also a demand for a schedule that allows passengers travelling from Mangaluru to Bengaluru for work to make a same-day return trip.
Also Read: Indian Railways Announces 1,053 Special Train Trips For Diwali, Durga Puja Rush; Check Routes
Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) president P.B. Ahmed Mudassar told the portal that the train should ideally leave Mangaluru early in the morning and return from Bengaluru at night. Such a schedule, he said, would allow people travelling for business or official work to complete their engagements in Bengaluru without losing an entire working day.
What are your thoughts about this extension?
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
FAQs
Is there any Vande Bharat from Goa to Bangalore?
Yes, a direct Vande Bharat route connecting Goa and Bengaluru has been approved via the extension of an existing service.
Is the Vande Bharat train for Goa?
Yes, there is a Vande Bharat train that connects to Goa, specifically the Mumbai CSMT–Madgaon Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 22229/22230).
Does Vande Bharat go to Bengaluru?
Yes, multiple Vande Bharat Express trains connect to Bengaluru.
