Pramesh S Jain
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today flagged off the Bengaluru–Mangaluru–Madgaon Vande Bharat Express and inaugurated and dedicated several railway development projects in Karnataka from the IIM Auditorium,Bengaluru,through Video Conference.
The projects included the inauguration of redeveloped Chamarajanagar,Chikkamagaluru,
On this occasion,a programme was organised at SMVT Bengaluru Railway Station in the presence,V.Somanna, Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti; Sushri Shobha Karandlaje,Union Minister of State for MSME,Labour and Employment;P.C.Mohan,MP, Bengaluru Central;Lahar Singh Siroya and Shri Jaggesh, Members of Parliament,Rajya Sabha;S.Raghu,MLA,C.V. Raman Nagar;Munirathna,MLA,
Addressing the gathering,V.Somanna said that Indian Railways is undergoing a major transformation under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister.
He highlighted that the Union Budget 2026–27 has allocated ₹2,93,000 crore for Indian Railways,while railway projects worth ₹52,000 crore are currently in progress in Karnataka.
He also mentioned that,in addition to the seven proposed High-Speed Rail Corridors,the Bengaluru–Pune High-Speed Rail Corridor would also be undertaken.
Referring to the newly introduced :
Bengaluru–Mangaluru–Madgaon Vande Bharat Express, he said that the service fulfils a long-standing demand of the people and public representatives of the coastal region. 
He further informed that a maintenance depot for Vande Bharat trains is being constructed at Thanisandra at an estimated cost of ₹270 crore. Various new railway line and doubling projects are also progressing across the state.
Speaking on the occasion,Sushri Shobha Karandlaje thanked Indian Railways for introducing this Vande Bharat service,stating that it would greatly benefit the people of the coastal region and provide a boost to tourism, education, trade and industries.
P.C.Mohan highlighted the improved rail connectivity between Bengaluru and major cities.
He mentioned that the recently introduced SMVT Bengaluru–CSMT Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Train enables passengers to reach Mumbai in 16 hours.With the introduction of the Bengaluru–Mangaluru–Madgaon Vande Bharat Express, passengers can now reach Mangaluru in approximately seven hours.
He also informed that Bengaluru Cantonment Railway Station is being upgraded at an estimated cost of ₹480 crore, with the works expected to be completed in the coming months.
Satish Kumar,Chairman and CEO,Railway Board,and Ashutosh Kumar Singh,Divisional Railway Manager, Bengaluru Division,also addressed the gathering.
On the occasion, prizes were distributed to the winners of the Essay and Drawing Competitions organised on the themes of “Viksit Bharat @ 2047”and “Modernisation of Indian Railways”.
Later,the dignitaries and members of the public witnessed the flag-off of the Bengaluru–Mangaluru–Madgaon Vande Bharat Express and the inauguration and dedication of various development projects in Karnataka by the Prime Minister through Video Conference from the IIM Auditorium, Bengaluru.
The regular Vande Bharat Express service between Yesvantpur and Madgaon is scheduled to commence on 15 November 2026,from both Yesvantpur and Madgaon.
Train No. 26655 will operate from Yesvantpur to Madgaon six days a week,except Wednesdays, while Train No. 26656 will operate from Madgaon to Yesvantpur six days a week,except Thursdays.
Train No.26655 will depart from Yesvantpur Junction at 07:35 hrs and arrive at Madgaon at 20:55 hrs on the same day.
Train No. 26656 will depart from Madgaon at 08:20 hrs
and arrive at Yesvantpur Junction at 21:15 hrs on the same day.
En route,the train will have stoppages at Shravanabelagola,Hassan,
The introduction of this new service will benefit passengers across Bengaluru, Hassan,Dakshina Kannada,Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts,as well as South Goa.
It will provide convenient travel options for students, young professionals,entrepreneurs and business travellers,while giving a boost to tourism in Coastal Karnataka and Goa.
