Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced a new Vande Bharat Express route connecting Bengaluru, Mangaluru, and Madgaon, marking a major step in strengthening rail connectivity across the Western Ghats and Konkan coast. The announcement came during his visit to Bengaluru.
The project, unveiled alongside developments at BEML, reflects India’s push towards faster and more advanced rail infrastructure. The minister also highlighted progress on indigenous high-speed train manufacturing, with the first prototype expected next year and production likely by 2027.
The upcoming route is particularly significant as it passes through the challenging terrain of the Western Ghats. Earlier considered difficult due to steep gradients, these technical challenges have now been resolved, clearing the way for smoother operations.
Expected to be operated by South Western Railway, the new service will significantly reduce travel time between the three regions. It may also integrate with the existing Mangaluru–Madgaon Vande Bharat route, which already offers faster connectivity along the Konkan belt.
This corridor is poised to become a tourism game-changer, linking major destinations—Bengaluru, known as India’s tech hub; Mangaluru, famous for its coastal charm; and Madgaon, a gateway to Goa’s beaches. Faster travel is likely to boost tourism, business travel, and regional connectivity.
The train will feature modern amenities such as automatic doors, the KAVACH safety system, ergonomic seating, CCTV surveillance, Wi-Fi, and bio-toilets, with speeds reaching up to 180 km/h, making it a comfortable and efficient travel option.