Bengaluru-Goa Vande Bharat Extension Boosts Coastal Connectivity

Bengaluru, October 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Rail connectivity between Bengaluru, coastal Karnataka and Goa is set to improve with the extension of the existing Madgaon-Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express to Bengaluru via Hassan, Udupi and Karwar, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy said on Thursday.

The extension follows a proposal made by Kumaraswamy to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, seeking Vande Bharat connectivity between Bengaluru and Madgaon to address growing passenger demand along the corridor.

Kumaraswamy said he had highlighted the route’s significance for tourism, pilgrimage, education and commerce, as well as the need for improved rail links between Bengaluru and major commercial, port and tourism centres in coastal Karnataka and Goa.

Thanking Vaishnaw for his response, Kumaraswamy said the existing service had been extended to Bengaluru. The train will operate as Train No. 26655/26656 Yesvantpur-Mangaluru-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express with revised timings.

In a communication dated September 28, 2026, Vaishnaw referred to Kumaraswamy’s letter of December 23, 2025, and confirmed the extension of the Madgaon-Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express to Bengaluru via Hassan, Udupi and Karwar.

Kumaraswamy said the extended service would benefit tourists, pilgrims, students, professionals and other passengers travelling between Bengaluru, Hassan, Mangaluru, Udupi, Karwar and Madgaon.

He added that the service would strengthen inter-state connectivity and support tourism and regional economic activity by improving access between Karnataka’s interior and coastal regions and Goa.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this is another step towards strengthening modern rail connectivity and bringing Bengaluru, coastal Karnataka and Goa closer,” Kumaraswamy said.

He said the extension would contribute to an integrated rail network linking key destinations across the region. The service will operate with revised timings, although the detailed schedule was not specified in the announcement.