Bengaluru to Goa Vande Bharat: Scenic Ghats Journey Starts Nov 2026
Experience the Western Ghats on the new Bengaluru to Madgaon Vande Bharat Express. Launching in November 2026 with 12 intermediate stops.
The Railway Board has officially approved the launch of a brand-new Vande Bharat Express service that will connect Yesvantpur in Bengaluru to Madgaon in Goa. Set to be flagged off in the third week of November 2026, the Bengaluru Goa Vande Bharat promises to be one of the most visually stunning rail journeys in the country.
A Scenic Traverse Through the Western Ghats
The highlight of this new route is its passage through the breathtaking Western Ghats. Specifically, the train will traverse the Sakleshpur–Subrahmanya Road section, offering passengers panoramic views of lush forests and rolling hills.
Due to the challenging terrain, strict safety protocols will be in place. While the Vande Bharat is designed for higher speeds, it will be restricted to 30 kmph while crossing the 55-kilometer electrified ghat section between Sakaleshpura and Subrahmanya Road.
Train Timings and Weekly Schedule
The service will operate six days a week, providing frequent connectivity between the tech hub of Bengaluru and the coastal paradise of Goa. The operational details for the two train numbers are as follows:
- Train 26655 (Yesvantpur to Madgaon): This service departs Yesvantpur at 7:35 AM and is scheduled to arrive in Madgaon at 8:55 PM. It will operate every day except Wednesdays.
- Train 26656 (Madgaon to Yesvantpur): The return service departs Madgaon at 8:20 AM and arrives at Yesvantpur at 9:15 PM. It will operate every day except Thursdays.
The journey from Yesvantpur to Madgaon is expected to take approximately 13 hours and 20 minutes, while the return journey will take roughly 12 hours and 55 minutes.
Intermediate Stops and Connectivity
To enhance regional connectivity, the new Vande Bharat Express will make 12 intermediate stops along its route:
- Shravanabelagola
- Hassan
- Sakleshpur
- Subrahmanya Road
- Kabaka Puttur
- Mangaluru Junction
- Udupi
- Kundapura
- Mookambika Road Byndoor
- Murdeshwar
- Gokarna Road
- Karwar
Important Changes for Passengers
The introduction of this new service follows the successful completion of the Bengaluru–Mangaluru corridor electrification in late 2025. However, this new route means that the existing Madgaon–Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express will be discontinued. IRCTC has already ceased accepting reservations for the older service effective November 29, 2026.
For operational efficiency, maintenance for the new fleet will be managed at both Yesvantpur and Madgaon, with additional watering arrangements provided at Mangaluru Junction.