Yesvantpur-Madgaon Vande Bharat Launching Nov 13
The new Yesvantpur-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express starts Nov 13, 2026, offering a scenic journey through the Western Ghats.
The scenic journey between Bengaluru and Goa is about to get a major upgrade. The Indian Railways has confirmed the launch of the new Yesvantpur Madgaon Vande Bharat Express, scheduled to begin operations on Friday, November 13, 2026.
Approved by the Railway Board, this new service will operate under train numbers 26655 and 26656, running six days a week. However, passengers should note the specific schedule: the train will not run on Wednesdays for the outbound journey from Yesvantpur, and it will not operate on Thursdays for the return leg from Madgaon.
A Scenic but Slower Journey
While Vande Bharat trains are typically known for their high speeds, this particular service will take a more leisurely pace. Due to the challenging terrain of the Western Ghats—specifically the critical 55-kilometer stretch between Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya Road—the train will maintain an average speed of approximately 53 to 54 kmph.
This speed is necessitated by safety restrictions in the ghat section, meaning the train will fall below the typical 55 kmph threshold required for superfast categorization. Consequently, the 670-kilometer journey is expected to take roughly 13 hours and 20 minutes for the outbound trip and 12 hours and 55 minutes for the return journey.
Intermediate Stops and Route Details
The train will offer connectivity to several key locations, making it a vital link for tourists and locals alike. The route will pass through Mangaluru Junction and include the following 12 intermediate stops:
- Shravanabelagola
- Hassan
- Sakleshpur
- Subrahmanya Road
- Kabaka Puttur
- Mangaluru Junction
- Udupi
- Kundapura
- Mookambika Road Byndoor
- Murdeshwar
- Gokarna Road
- Karwar
Changes to Existing Train Services
The introduction of this new service brings significant changes to the existing rail network in the region. With the launch of the Yesvantpur-Madgaon service, the current Madgaon–Mangaluru Central Vande Bharat Express (20645/20646) will be discontinued.
Furthermore, railway officials have indicated that the schedules of approximately 13 other existing trains will be revised. These changes are intended to accommodate the new Vande Bharat service and ensure it receives priority passage through the complex ghat sections.