PM Modi flags off Bengaluru-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express in Karnataka
The new semi-high-speed train service will begin regular operations on Sunday, November 15, 2026.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Bengaluru-Mangaluru-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express on Friday, November 13, according to The Indian Express. The new service aims to improve connectivity between Bengaluru, coastal Karnataka, and Goa.
The South Western Railway (SWR) will operate and maintain the 16-coach train, which features Executive Chair Car and Chair Car coaches. Regular services are scheduled to begin on Sunday, November 15, 2026. The train will connect destinations including Hassan, Sakleshpur, Mangaluru, Udupi, Murdeshwar, Gokarna, and Karwar.
During the visit, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the elevated section of the Bengaluru Metro Pink Line. This 21.25-km line will connect Kalena Agrahara in south Bengaluru with Nagawara in the north once fully operational, as reported by The Hindu.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated four redeveloped railway stations in Karnataka: Chamarajanagar, Chikkamagaluru, Sakleshpur, and Subrahmanya Road. These stations were modernised under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS).
Additionally, the Prime Minister dedicated the 45-km-long Bagalkot-Wandal railway line doubling section and the electrified 55-km Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road Ghat railway section. The completion of the latter means the entire Bengaluru-Mangaluru rail route is now fully electrified.