New Bengaluru-Mangaluru-Goa Vande Bharat Express Launched!
PM Modi flags off the new Yesvantpur-Mangaluru-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express and unveils major railway upgrades in Karnataka.
In a massive boost to South India's rail connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated several landmark railway infrastructure projects in Karnataka on November 13, 2026. The centerpiece of this development is the highly anticipated Yesvantpur (Bengaluru)–Mangaluru–Madgaon (Goa) Vande Bharat Express, which promises to revolutionize travel between the tech hub of Bengaluru, the scenic coastal belt, and the tourist hotspot of Goa.
Vande Bharat Express: Schedule and Route Details
The new Vande Bharat service features a modern 16-coach rake, offering both Executive Chair Car and Chair Car options for passengers. Commercial operations are set to commence on November 15, 2026.
To ensure consistent connectivity, the train will operate six days a week. Passengers should note the following schedule exceptions:
- No service from Yesvantpur on Wednesdays.
- No service from Madgaon on Thursdays.
The train will serve several key stations, making it an ideal choice for tourists and commuters alike. The scheduled stops include:
- Hassan
- Sakleshpur
- Subrahmanya Road
- Mangaluru
- Udupi
- Kundapura
- Murdeshwar
- Gokarna Road
- Karwar
Amrit Bharat Station Upgrades
Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, four major railway stations have undergone massive transformations to provide world-class facilities. The newly inaugurated stations include Chamarajanagar, Chikkamagaluru, Sakleshpur, and Subrahmanya Road.
These redeveloped stations are now equipped with enhanced passenger amenities, such as:
- Premium executive lounges
- Upgraded waiting areas
- Improved accessibility for passengers with disabilities
- High-speed Wi-Fi connectivity
Major Milestones in Electrification and Track Doubling
The infrastructure overhaul extends far beyond new trains and stations. A significant 45-km doubled track section between Bagalkot and Wandal has been dedicated to the public. Furthermore, the electrification of the 55-km Sakleshpur–Subrahmanya Road ghat section has been completed.
This completion is a major milestone, as it marks the full electrification of the entire rail route between Bengaluru and Mangaluru. This achievement will significantly reduce the railways' dependency on diesel traction, leading to more efficient and greener operations.
Future Expansion Plans
During the events, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, accompanied by Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna, shared promising news for the region's future. Administrative approval has been granted for a survey and the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to double the remaining rail sections between Mangaluru and Bengaluru.
These strategic developments, overseen by the South Western Railway and the Railway Board, are intended to bolster tourism, trade, and educational opportunities throughout the region.