The popular journey between Bengaluru and Goa is set to become faster and more comfortable. The Indian Railways has approved a new Vande Bharat Express, cutting travel time to just over 13 hours and offering a scenic daytime route.
What's New With This Service?
The Railway Board has
sanctioned a new semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express connecting Yesvantpur in Bengaluru with Madgaon in Goa. The journey from Yesvantpur to Madgaon will take approximately 13 hours and 20 minutes, while the return trip is slightly quicker at 12 hours and 55 minutes. This new daytime service provides a significant improvement for travellers, connecting Karnataka's interior with its coastal belt and Goa. The service is expected to begin operations in the third week of November 2026, though an official launch date and fare details are yet to be announced. Previously, other express trains on this route took anywhere from 14 to over 15 hours to complete the journey.
Route and Schedule Details
The train will operate under numbers 26655 (Yesvantpur to Madgaon) and 26656 (Madgaon to Yesvantpur). Train 26655 will depart from Yesvantpur at 7:35 AM and arrive in Madgaon at 8:55 PM. It will run six days a week, with no service on Wednesdays. The return train, 26656, will leave Madgaon at 8:20 AM and reach Yesvantpur at 9:15 PM, operating six days a week, excluding Thursdays. This new route runs via Mangaluru Junction and includes 12 stops, connecting several key towns. The introduction of this service will also lead to the discontinuation of the existing Madgaon-Mangaluru Central Vande Bharat Express, which reportedly had low passenger numbers.
A Journey Through the Western Ghats
One of the most anticipated aspects of this new service is its picturesque route. The train will travel through the stunning Western Ghats, offering passengers breathtaking views of forested hills and lush green landscapes. A major highlight of the journey is the section between Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya Road, which is renowned for its natural beauty. The route also passes through the famous Braganza Ghats section, which includes views of the majestic Dudhsagar Falls, especially vibrant during the monsoon season. This scenic element elevates the journey from a simple commute to a memorable travel experience.
Key Stops and Connectivity
The train will provide crucial connectivity across Karnataka before reaching Goa. The planned stops between Yesvantpur and Madgaon are Shravanabelagola, Hassan, Sakleshpur, Subrahmanya Road, Kabaka Puttur, Mangaluru Junction, Udupi, Kundapura, Mookambika Road Byndoor, Murdeshwar, Gokarna Road, and Karwar. These stops link important religious, tourist, and commercial centres, making travel more convenient for a wide range of passengers. The service was made possible by the electrification of the Bengaluru–Mangaluru railway line, a project completed in late 2025 that allows for the operation of faster electric trains like the Vande Bharat Express.
How to Plan Your Trip
While the exact date for the start of bookings has not been announced, travellers can expect it to align with the proposed launch in the third week of November 2026. Tickets will be available through the official Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website and app, as well as at railway station booking counters. As a chair car service, the Vande Bharat Express offers a comfortable, air–conditioned travel option. Travellers eager to experience this new route should keep an eye on official announcements from the Indian Railways for the final schedule, fare structure, and the opening of ticket reservations. This new train offers a compelling alternative to bus and air travel, balancing speed, cost, and the unique experience of a scenic rail journey.
