Two New Vande Bharat Trains for the Nation: Which Routes Will They Serve and When Will They Begin?
On November 13, two new Vande Bharat Express trains will be launched in South India. These include the Yesvantpur–Madgaon and Mangaluru–Bengaluru routes, which will enhance rail connectivity to the coastal regions of Karnataka and to Goa.
As part of efforts to strengthen rail connectivity in South India, the Railways is set to introduce two new Vande Bharat Express services. According to information provided by the Railway Board, the flag-off ceremonies for the Bengaluru–Madgaon and Mangaluru–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express trains will take place on November 13, 2026. Both services will help improve rail links between major cities in Karnataka and Goa.
The proposed Vande Bharat Express between Bengaluru and Goa will run from Yesvantpur to Madgaon, operating via Mangaluru Junction. The Railway Board has approved this service, assigning it train numbers 26655/26656. This route is highly significant, as it will provide a direct rail connection from Bengaluru to Goa, passing through the coastal regions of Karnataka.
Key stops along the route will include Shravanabelagola, Hassan, Sakleshpur, Subrahmanya Road, Kabaka Puttur, Mangaluru Junction, Udupi, Kundapura, Mookambika Road Byndoor, Murdeshwar, Gokarna Road, and Karwar.
According to the proposed schedule, the train will depart from Yesvantpur at 7:35 AM and arrive in Madgaon at 8:55 PM. On the return leg, it will depart from Madgaon at 8:20 AM and reach Yesvantpur at 9:15 PM. This service will operate six days a week. Train to traverse the scenic routes of the Western Ghats
A key highlight of this Vande Bharat service will be the rail route through the Western Ghats, between Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya Road—a region defined by mountains, lush greenery, and natural beauty. With the completion of electrification along this route, the path has been cleared for the operation of fast, modern electric trains. This new service is expected to offer an improved rail option for passengers traveling from Bengaluru to Mangaluru, Udupi, Gokarna, Karwar, and Goa.
Mangaluru-Bengaluru Vande Bharat also set to launch
A second service, the Mangaluru-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express, is also set to be introduced, with its flag-off tentatively scheduled for November 13. However, official details—such as the specific train number, detailed route, scheduled stops, and timetable—for this service have yet to be confirmed.
The launch of both services is expected to strengthen rail connectivity between the coastal region of Karnataka and the state capital, Bengaluru. This will be particularly beneficial for those traveling for tourism, business, or professional purposes.
