PM Modi Flags Off New Vande Bharat Express Connecting Bengaluru, Mangaluru and Goa

Mangaluru : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off a new Vande Bharat Express service connecting Bengaluru, Mangaluru and Margao in Goa, aiming to strengthen rail connectivity between Bengaluru, coastal Karnataka and Goa.

The new Yesvantpur-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express will provide direct connectivity to several important destinations, including Hassan, Sakleshpur, Subrahmanya Road, Mangaluru, Udupi, Kundapura, Murdeshwar, Gokarna and Karwar.

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar was also present during the flag-off ceremony.

According to South Western Railway, regular operations of the new service will commence on November 15, following two inaugural special services scheduled for November 13.

Speaking to , Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar said the new service would connect Bengaluru directly with Goa, a major tourism destination, and provide a significant travel option for passengers in Karnataka and other regions.

He also highlighted the dedication of the railway doubling project between Bagalkot and Vandal, along with the electrification of the Sakleshwar-Subrahmanya Road route. According to him, these infrastructure developments would improve operational efficiency, reduce dependence on diesel fuel and support economic growth.

Kumar said the train would pass through picturesque landscapes, making the journey an attractive experience for tourists and regular travellers alike.

BJP National General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Harish Dwivedi also praised the Centre’s infrastructure development initiatives in the state. He highlighted the inauguration of a seven-kilometre Bengaluru Metro section, which would take the city’s total Metro network length to 100 kilometres, along with other projects being inaugurated or receiving foundation stones.

The new Vande Bharat service is expected to improve connectivity between major urban centres, coastal destinations and tourism hubs across Karnataka and Goa.