Ashwini Vaishnaw to visit Dakshina Kannada on Friday; Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat train to be flagged off
Mangalore Today News Network
Mangaluru, Nov 12, 2026: Union Railway, Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will visit Dakshina Kannada on Friday to inaugurate several key railway projects, including the new Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express service.
The minister is scheduled to arrive in Mangaluru on Thursday night. On Friday, he will flag off the first Vande Bharat Express service between Bengaluru and Mangaluru at Mangaluru Junction railway station. He will also visit various parts of Dakshina Kannada and hold meetings with officials to review railway infrastructure development in the district.
This will be Vaishnaw’s first visit to Dakshina Kannada during his current tenure as Railway Minister. Three significant railway projects, long-awaited by people in the coastal and Malnad regions, are scheduled to be dedicated to the public during the visit. Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta and other public representatives will be present.
The projects are expected to improve railway connectivity and provide a boost to tourism, trade and daily commuting.
Three Key Railway Projects
Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express: The new semi-high-speed Vande Bharat service will connect Bengaluru with the coastal city of Mangaluru, reducing travel time and offering passengers a faster and more comfortable journey. The service is expected to benefit business, industrial and tourism activities between the two cities.
Electrification of Sakleshpur–Subrahmanya Road Section: Electrification work on the challenging Western Ghats railway stretch between Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya Road has been completed and will be formally inaugurated. The project is expected to improve train operations, speed and capacity along the ghat section.
Subrahmanya Road Amrit Bharat Railway Station: The renovated Subrahmanya Road railway station, upgraded with modern passenger amenities under the Central Government’s Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, will be dedicated to the public.
Minister’s Schedule
- 8 am: Visit Mangaluru Central railway station to review the progress of various ongoing development works.
- 10.30 am: Chair a review meeting with senior district officials and public representatives at the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner’s office.
- 11.30 am: Attend a programme at Mangaluru Junction railway station.
- 12 noon: Flag off the Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express in the presence of the Prime Minister through video conferencing.
- 1.30 pm: Travel from Mangaluru Junction towards Subrahmanya aboard the newly introduced Vande Bharat Express.
Interaction at Kabaka Puttur Station
At around 2 pm, the minister is scheduled to arrive at Kabaka Puttur railway station, where he will interact with local residents, railway passengers and members of the public.
Inspection of Subrahmanya Road Station
After proceeding from Puttur, Vaishnaw will visit Subrahmanya Road railway station and inspect the newly upgraded Amrit Bharat station building and passenger facilities.
Visit to Mangaladevi Temple
After returning to Mangaluru, the minister will visit the historic Sri Mangaladevi Temple at around 4 pm and offer prayers. He will subsequently leave for New Delhi via Mangaluru International Airport, according to a statement issued by the office of Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta.