South Western Railway said regular services would commence on November 15. (File photo of Vande Bharat)
Bengaluru-Goa Vande Bharat Express launched: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off the new Vande Bharat chair car service linking Bengaluru, Mangaluru and Margao (Goa), aimed at improving rail connectivity between the three destinations. Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar was also present at the event. The new Vande Bharat chair car service will operate along the electrified route, helping reduce dependence on diesel fuel. The new Yesvantpur-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express has been introduced to improve rail connectivity between Bengaluru, coastal Karnataka and Goa. The service will provide direct access to several key stations, including Hassan, Sakleshpur, Subrahmanya Road, Mangaluru, Udupi, Kundapura, Murdeshwar, Gokarna and Karwar. South Western Railway said regular services would commence on November 15, after two special inaugural services operate on November 13.
Yesvantpur-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express: Schedule, stoppages
The South Western Railway will introduce the Yesvantpur-Madgaon-Yesvantpur Vande Bharat Express from November 15, 2026. Train No. 26655 will depart from Yesvantpur Junction at 7.35 am and reach Madgaon at 8.55 pm, stopping at Shravanabelagola (9.03 am), Hassan (9.38 am), Sakleshpur (10.20 am), Subrahmanya Road (12.40 pm), Kabakaputtur (1.25 pm), Mangaluru Junction (3.05 pm), Udupi (4.20 pm), Kundapura (4.38 pm), Mookambika Road Byndoor (5.20 pm), Murdeshwar (6 pm), Gokarna Road (7 pm) and Karwar (7.45 pm). The train will operate six days a week, except Wednesdays. The total journey time will be 13 hours 20 minutes. In the return direction, train No. 26656 will depart from Madgaon at 8.20 am and reach Yesvantpur Junction at 9.15 pm. It will stop at Karwar (9.03 am), Gokarna Road (9.48 am), Murdeshwar (11 am), Mookambika Road Byndoor (11.20 am), Kundapura (11.48 am), Udupi (12.18 pm), Mangaluru Junction (1.50 pm), Kabakaputtur (2.43 pm), Subrahmanya Road (3.28 pm), Sakleshpur (5.30 pm), Hassan (6.13 pm) and Shravanabelagola (6.43 pm). The total journey time will be 12 hours 55 minutes. The return service will run six days a week, except Thursdays. Both trains will comprise 16 coaches. Speaking to ANI, Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar said the new service would provide a direct rail connection between Bengaluru and Goa’s prominent tourist destination, making it a valuable addition for Karnataka residents and other travellers.
"By connecting Bengaluru directly to the premier tourism destination of Goa while passing through Bengaluru, this new service is a wonderful addition for the people of Karnataka and all travellers. The train route traverses very picturesque landscapes, making the journey itself a true pleasure well before you reach your destination. This stands as a remarkable testament to the ongoing infrastructure development led by Indian Railways," said Kumar. Vande Bharat Express is an all air-conditioned chair car service. It has European-style seats, fully sealed gangways, aircraft-style bio-vaccum toilets and lighting, regenerative braking, wide luggage racks, fully automatic doors etc.
