PM Modi Flags Off Yesvantpur-Madgaon Vande Bharat in Karnataka
PM Modi inaugurates the new Yesvantpur–Madgaon Vande Bharat Express and major rail infrastructure projects in Karnataka to boost connectivity.
In a massive boost to Karnataka's connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a series of landmark railway and infrastructure projects on November 13, 2026. This major move aims to transform the state's infrastructure under the 'Viksit Karnataka' vision.
A Nine-Fold Jump in Railway Budget
Highlighting the unprecedented focus on the state's infrastructure, the Prime Minister announced that the railway budget allocation for Karnataka has seen a nine-fold increase over the last decade. For the 2026-27 fiscal year, a record allocation of ₹7,748 crore has been sanctioned to accelerate rail development across the region.
Yesvantpur–Madgaon Vande Bharat Express to Connect Bengaluru and Goa
The centerpiece of the inauguration was the flagging off of the highly anticipated Yesvantpur–Madgaon Vande Bharat Express. This premium train is designed to provide seamless connectivity between Bengaluru and Goa, traversing the coastal belt of Karnataka.
The new service will provide vital links to several key towns, including:
- Hassan
- Sakleshpur
- Mangaluru
- Udupi
- Murdeshwar
- Karwar
Regular commercial services for this route are set to commence on November 15, 2026.
Modernizing Stations and Expanding Metro Reach
Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, the Prime Minister inaugurated the modernization of four key railway stations: Chamarajanagar, Chikkamagaluru, Sakleshpur, and Subrahmanya Road. These stations will undergo significant upgrades to enhance passenger amenities.
In addition to rail upgrades, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the 7.5 km elevated Pink Line of the Namma Metro in Bengaluru, which connects Kalena Agrahara to Tavarekere.
Railway infrastructure projects currently under execution across the state are valued at approximately ₹52,950 crore, which includes significant track doubling and electrification projects.
The inauguration events were attended by key officials, including Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and representatives from the Union Ministry of Railways.