Existing Madgaon–Mangaluru Central Vande Bharat Express to be discontinued from November 15
Mangalore Today News Network
Mangaluru, Nov 12, 2026: Rail connectivity between Karnataka and Goa is set to undergo a significant change with the introduction of a new Vande Bharat Express between Yesvantpur and Madgaon. In view of the new service, the existing Vande Bharat Express operating between Madgaon and Mangaluru Central will be discontinued from November 15.
However, there is an important detail that passengers should take note of. The existing Vande Bharat Express covered the Mangaluru–Madgaon route approximately 55 minutes faster than the newly introduced train.
Old Vande Bharat Had Only Two Intermediate Stops
Train Nos. 20645/20646, the Madgaon–Mangaluru Central Vande Bharat Express, commenced operations on December 31, 2023. The train had only two intermediate stops – Udupi and Karwar.
Initially operated with eight coaches, the train ran six days a week, with no service on Thursdays.
The train departed Madgaon at 6.10 pm and reached Mangaluru Central at 10.45 pm, completing the journey in four hours and 35 minutes.
In the return direction, it departed Mangaluru Central at 8.30 am and reached Madgaon at 1.15 pm, taking approximately four hours and 45 minutes.
New Train to Have Six Stops Along the Coast
The newly introduced Train Nos. 26655/26656, the Yesvantpur–Madgaon Vande Bharat Express, will provide direct rail connectivity between Bengaluru and Goa.
The train will enter the coastal region via Yesvantpur, Shravanabelagola, Hassan, Sakleshpur, Subrahmanya Road, Kabakaputtur and Mangaluru Junction.
Between Mangaluru Junction and Madgaon, it will stop at Udupi, Kundapura, Mookambika Road Byndoor, Murdeshwar, Gokarna Road and Karwar.
This means the new train will have six intermediate stops along the coastal stretch, four more than the existing service. Across the entire Yesvantpur–Madgaon route, the train will have 12 intermediate stops.
Old Train Was Faster; New Service Takes 55 Minutes Longer
A comparison of the journey timings reveals an interesting difference.
The old Vande Bharat took four hours and 35 minutes to travel from Madgaon to Mangaluru Central. However, the new Vande Bharat will depart Madgaon at 8.20 am and reach Mangaluru Junction at 1.50 pm, taking five hours and 30 minutes.
This represents an additional journey time of approximately 55 minutes.
Similarly, the old train took four hours and 45 minutes to reach Madgaon from Mangaluru Central. The new train will depart Mangaluru Junction at 3.15 pm and arrive at Madgaon at 8.55 pm, taking five hours and 40 minutes.
Here too, the journey will take approximately 55 minutes longer.
Thus, in terms of travel time on the direct Mangaluru–Madgaon route, the existing Vande Bharat was faster than the new service.
Passengers should also note that the old train operated from Mangaluru Central, whereas the new service will stop at Mangaluru Junction. These are two different railway stations.
Full Schedule of the New Vande Bharat Express
Train No. 26655 will depart Yesvantpur at 7.35 am and reach Madgaon at 8.55 pm on the same day, covering the journey in 13 hours and 20 minutes.
In the return direction, Train No. 26656 will leave Madgaon at 8.20 am and reach Yesvantpur at 9.15 pm. The journey will take 12 hours and 55 minutes.
Both trains will operate six days a week. The Yesvantpur–Madgaon service will not run on Wednesdays, while the Madgaon–Yesvantpur service will remain suspended on Thursdays.
The new Vande Bharat Express will have 16 coaches, comprising Executive Chair Car and Chair Car accommodation.
Existing Service to Be Discontinued from November 15
The new Yesvantpur–Madgaon Vande Bharat Express will commence regular operations from November 15, 2026.
With its introduction, the existing Train Nos. 20645/20646 Madgaon–Mangaluru Central Vande Bharat Express will be cancelled in both directions, according to Dr Manjunath Kanamadi, Chief Public Relations Officer of South Western Railway.
The new train will provide direct Vande Bharat connectivity from Bengaluru to Goa and several coastal destinations, including Udupi, Kundapura, Mookambika, Murdeshwar, Gokarna and Karwar. This is expected to benefit tourists, pilgrims, students and business travellers.
However, for passengers who prioritised faster travel between Mangaluru and Madgaon, the discontinuation of the existing service and the additional 55-minute journey time on the new train represent a significant change.