PM Modi Flags Off Bengaluru-Mangaluru-Margao Vande Bharat!
PM Modi flags off the new Vande Bharat Express connecting Bengaluru, Mangaluru, and Margao, offering scenic routes and direct Goa access.
In a massive boost to rail connectivity and tourism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off the new Vande Bharat chair car service connecting Bengaluru, Mangaluru, and Margao. This new service is set to transform travel between Karnataka and Goa, providing a faster and more comfortable journey for commuters and tourists alike.
Direct Connectivity to Goa's Tourism Hub
The newly launched Yesvantpur-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express will offer direct access to several key destinations. Travelers can now enjoy a seamless connection from Bengaluru to the premier tourism destination of Goa, passing through several beautiful coastal and hilly regions.
The train will make stops at the following major stations:
- Hassan
- Sakleshpur
- Subrahmanya Road
- Mangaluru
- Udupi
- Kundapura
- Murdeshwar
- Gokarna
- Karwar
Infrastructure Boost and Economic Impact
The introduction of this service coincides with significant infrastructure upgrades. Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar noted that the dedication of the doubling project between Bagalkot and Vandal, along with the electrification of the Sakleshwar-Subramanya Road route, marks a major milestone.
"This represents a major boost to the economy by significantly reducing our dependency on diesel fuel," said Satish Kumar. He added that the route traverses incredibly picturesque landscapes, making the journey a true pleasure well before you reach your destination.
Bengaluru Metro Expansion Also Unveiled
Alongside the Vande Bharat service, the Prime Minister also inaugurated a 7-kilometre stretch of the Bengaluru Metro. With this new section, the total length of the Bengaluru Metro network has reached the 100-kilometre milestone, further enhancing urban mobility in the city.
When Will Regular Services Start?
While two inaugural special services were conducted on November 13, the South Western Railway has confirmed that regular operations of the Yesvantpur-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express will begin on November 15.