Coastal Groups Seek Morning Departure for Bengaluru-Mangaluru Vande Bharat

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Sep 13, 2026: Coastal Karnataka railway associations and passenger groups have urged the South Western Railway to ensure that the proposed Bengaluru-Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express operates from Mangaluru in the morning and returns at night, saying the timings of the recent trial run should not be taken as the final schedule.

Pashchima Karavali Railway Yatri Abhivriddhi Samithi president G. Hanumanth Kamath said a morning departure from Mangaluru would benefit hundreds of people travelling to Bengaluru for official and business work.

“A service that reaches Bengaluru close to midnight would be of little use to people from the coastal region,” he said.

The 16-coach Vande Bharat completed its second full trial run between Bengaluru and Mangaluru on Thursday, September 11, reaching Mangaluru Junction in 7 hours and 5 minutes. The train departed Yesvantpur at 6.50 am and arrived at Mangaluru Junction at 1.55 pm. It left Mangaluru on its return journey at 2.25 pm.

The second trial was shorter than the first run on September 5, when the train took 9 hours and 57 minutes to reach Mangaluru Central. The latest run therefore reduced the recorded travel time by 2 hours and 52 minutes.

Unlike the first trial, the latest run terminated at Mangaluru Junction. Reports also indicated that technical issues during the first trial had contributed to the delay.

The railway authorities have not yet announced the final timetable, launch date, fares or reservation arrangements. The trial timings, therefore, do not indicate the schedule of the regular passenger service.

A Vande Bharat service on the Bengaluru-Mangaluru route is expected to provide a faster premium intercity travel option between the State capital and the coastal city.