Indian Railways has officially approved the introduction of a new Vande Bharat Express service connecting Shivamogga Town and Tirupati, bringing a massive boost in comfort and speed for pilgrims, students, and business travellers. The new high-speed train will cover the 545-kilometer route between Shivamogga and Tirupati in approximately 8 to 9 hours, drastically reducing travel time from the current 13 to 16 hours. The proposal was spearheaded by Tirupati Member of Parliament Maddila Gurumoorthy, receiving a positive response from the Railway Board and getting incorporated into the operational plan by the South Western Railway.
According to the provisional schedule,
the train will depart from Shivamogga at 4:30 a.m., reach Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal in Bengaluru at 9:15 a.m., and arrive in Tirupati at 2:15 p.m. For the return journey,
the Vande Bharat service is slated to depart Tirupati at 2:45 p.m., pass through Bengaluru, and reach Shivamogga late at night. While these timings remain tentative and subject to final adjustments, the service is specially designed to facilitate direct, faster connectivity for passengers travelling for medical, educational, and religious purposes.
Maintenance and Future Updates
To support the smooth operation of this premium train,
maintenance for the rake is planned to be conducted at the newly developed Koteganguru Terminal near Shivamogga. Authorities confirmed the project's approval as of September 13, 2026. However, passengers eagerly awaiting the inaugural run should note that the final frequency, specific stoppage points, and official inauguration date remain pending further operational review by railway officials.
