Bengaluru–Mangaluru–Madgaon Vande Bharat likely to begin service before monsoon

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Apr 27, 2026: The much-awaited Bengaluru–Mangaluru–Madgaon Vande Bharat train is likely to be launched before the onset of the monsoon.

The electrification of the railway route, which is essential for operating the Vande Bharat train, has been completed and trial tests have also been conducted. Work to enhance track capacity is also in progress. As a result, trial runs are expected to begin before June.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday confirmed that the Bengaluru–Mangaluru–Madgaon Vande Bharat service will begin soon.

Vande Bharat trains operate faster than regular trains. However, on the Mangaluru–Bengaluru railway route, the 55-km stretch between Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya passes through a steep ghat section, where trains can move only at a maximum speed of 30 kmph for safety reasons. Increasing the speed even to 40 kmph in this stretch is considered difficult. However, speed can be improved in the remaining sections of the route, and supporting track-strengthening work is underway in several places.

The final schedule and station stops have not yet been confirmed. According to an unofficial timetable note prepared following Railway Board directions to Southern Railway, South Western Railway, and Konkan Railway, the train is expected to operate between Bengaluru (Yeshwantpur) and Madgaon (Goa).

As per that list, there was no scheduled stop at Mangaluru Central or Mangaluru Junction. However, the timetable and halts are yet to be finalized. A stop in Mangaluru is widely expected, and MPs from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi have also assured efforts in this regard.