Mangaluru, Nov 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off a new Vande Bharat Express connecting Bengaluru, coastal Karnataka and Goa, providing faster and more convenient rail connectivity between the three regions.

The new Yesvantpur-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express will connect Bengaluru with several important destinations along the Karnataka coast, including Mangaluru, Udupi, Kundapura, Byndoor, Murdeshwar, Gokarna and Karwar, before reaching Madgaon in Goa.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar was also present at the flag-off event.

The new service will operate on the electrified railway route, reducing dependence on diesel-powered trains. It is expected to benefit tourists, business travellers and residents travelling between Bengaluru, coastal Karnataka and Goa.

South Western Railway has announced that regular services will commence on November 15, following two special inaugural services on November 13.

Bengaluru-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express: Train number and schedule

The Yesvantpur-Madgaon-Yesvantpur Vande Bharat Express will operate six days a week, with different weekly holidays for the onward and return services.

Train No. 26655: Yesvantpur to Madgaon

• Departure from Yesvantpur Junction: 7.35 am
• Arrival at Madgaon: 8.55 pm
• Journey duration: 13 hours 20 minutes
• Operating days: Six days a week, except Wednesday.

Stoppages and timings:

Station: Arrival/departure
Yesvantpur 7.35 am (departure)
Shravanabelagola 9.03 am
Hassan 9.38 am
Sakleshpur 10.20 am
Subrahmanya Road 12.40 pm
Kabakaputtur 1.25 pm
Mangaluru Junction 3.05 pm
Udupi 4.20 pm
Kundapura 4.38 pm
Mookambika Road Byndoor 5.20 pm
Murdeshwar 6.00 pm
Gokarna Road 7.00 pm
Karwar 7.45 pm
Madgaon 8.55 pm (arrival)

Madgaon-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express: Return schedule

Train No. 26656: Madgaon to Yesvantpur

• Departure from Madgaon: 8.20 am
• Arrival at Yesvantpur Junction: 9.15 pm
• Journey duration: 12 hours 55 minutes
• Operating days: Six days a week, except Thursday.

Stoppages and timings:

Station Arrival/departure
Madgaon 8.20 am (departure)
Karwar 9.03 am
Gokarna Road 9.48 am
Murdeshwar 11.00 am
Mookambika Road Byndoor 11.20 am
Kundapura 11.48 am
Udupi 12.18 pm
Mangaluru Junction 1.50 pm
Kabakaputtur 2.43 pm
Subrahmanya Road 3.28 pm
Sakleshpur 5.30 pm
Hassan 6.13 pm
Shravanabelagola 6.43 pm
Yesvantpur 9.15 pm (arrival)

Both services will comprise 16 coaches.

Direct connectivity between Bengaluru, coastal Karnataka and Goa

The new service will provide direct rail connectivity between Bengaluru and several coastal destinations that attract tourists throughout the year.

Passengers from Bengaluru will have direct access to popular destinations such as Mangaluru, Udupi, Murdeshwar, Gokarna and Karwar, besides Madgaon in Goa.

Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar said the service would strengthen connectivity between Bengaluru and Goa, particularly benefiting people travelling to the popular tourist destination.

He also highlighted the scenic landscapes along the railway route, saying the journey itself would be an enjoyable experience for passengers.

Features of Vande Bharat Express

The Vande Bharat Express is an entirely air-conditioned chair car train equipped with several modern passenger amenities.

Its features include European-style seating, fully sealed gangways, aircraft-style bio-vacuum toilets, improved lighting, regenerative braking, wider luggage racks and automatic doors.

The introduction of the new service is expected to strengthen railway connectivity between Karnataka’s capital, the coastal districts and Goa, while providing passengers with a modern travel option.