Bengaluru to Goa Vande Bharat Express: New Route Approved!
The Railway Board has approved a new Vande Bharat Express connecting Bengaluru and Goa via Mangaluru, set to launch in November 2026.
The Railway Board has officially sanctioned a new Bengaluru Goa Vande Bharat service to connect the tech hub of Bengaluru with the coastal beauty of Goa. This highly anticipated service will link Yesvantpur to Madgaon, offering a high-speed and scenic travel experience through the Western Ghats.
Route Extension and Connectivity
In a significant move to enhance connectivity, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that the existing Mangaluru Central–Madgaon Vande Bharat Express will be extended to Yesvantpur. The new route will travel via Mangaluru Junction, providing a direct link for passengers traveling through the coastal and hilly regions.
The proposal was a collaborative effort between South Western Railway, Southern Railway, and the Konkan Railway Corporation Limited, following requests from officials, including Mandya MP HD Kumaraswamy.
Train Schedule and Timings
The new service, operating under train numbers 26655 and 26656, is scheduled to run six days a week. The journey is expected to take approximately 13 hours, offering passengers breathtaking views of the landscape.
- Yesvantpur to Madgaon: The train is slated to depart Yesvantpur at 6:05 AM and arrive at Madgaon by 7:15 PM.
- Madgaon to Yesvantpur: The return leg is expected to depart Madgaon at 5:30 AM and arrive at Yesvantpur at 6:40 PM.
Planned Station Halts
The service is planned to feature 14 stations along the route, including the following halts:
- Yesvantpur
- Shravanabelagola
- Hassan
- Sakleshpur
- Subrahmanya Road
- Kabaka Puttur
- Mangaluru Junction
- Udupi
- Kundapura
- Byndoor
- Murdeshwar
- Gokarna Road
- Karwar
- Madgaon
Advanced Safety for Western Ghats Terrain
Because the route traverses the challenging and steep terrain of the Western Ghats, Indian Railways is implementing top-tier safety and infrastructure measures. These include:
- Kavach safety system: The implementation of advanced anti-collision technology.
- Modern Infrastructure: Advanced electrification and automatic doors for passenger safety.
- Passenger Information: GPS-based systems to provide real-time updates to travelers.
- Specialized Training: Locomotive pilots have undergone specific training focusing on braking and speed control protocols to manage the region's steep inclines safely.
The new Vande Bharat Express service is anticipated to launch by the third week of November 2026.