PM Modi Flags Off Bengaluru-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express After Western Ghats Electrification

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Bengaluru-Mangaluru-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express on Friday, November 13, 2026, marking a significant development in railway connectivity between Bengaluru, coastal Karnataka and Goa.

The new semi-high-speed train service is expected to make journeys more convenient for tourists, business travellers, students and pilgrims. It will connect several important destinations, including Hassan, Sakleshpur, Mangaluru, Udupi, Murdeshwar, Gokarna, Karwar and Madgaon.

55-Km Western Ghats Railway Section Electrified

A major milestone behind the launch is the completion of electrification of the 55-km Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road Ghat section. The railway stretch passes through some of the most challenging terrain in the Western Ghats.

The section features steep gradients, 57 tunnels, 226 bridges and 108 sharp curves. It is also vulnerable to landslides, particularly during the monsoon season, making the electrification work technically demanding.

The project involved installing an overhead electrification system and constructing five switching stations. Special engineering measures were also required to complete electrification inside the tunnels.

With this development, the entire Bengaluru-Mangaluru railway route is now fully electrified, enabling the operation of modern electric trains, including Vande Bharat services.

Vande Bharat Express: Route and Major Stops

The train will operate between Yesvantpur in Bengaluru and Madgaon in Goa, passing through Mangaluru Junction.

During its journey, it will stop at 12 stations:

1. Shravanabelagola

2. Hassan

3. Sakleshpur

4. Subrahmanya Road

5. Kabaka Puttur

6. Mangaluru Junction

7. Udupi

8. Kundapura

9. Mookambika Road Byndoor

10. Murdeshwar

11. Gokarna Road

12. Karwar

The service is expected to improve access to several important tourist and religious destinations along the Karnataka coast and in Goa.

Boost for Tourism and Regional Connectivity

The introduction of the Vande Bharat Express is expected to strengthen transport links between Bengaluru and the coastal region. Improved railway connectivity could make travel to destinations such as Udupi, Kollur, Murdeshwar, Gokarna and Karwar more convenient.

The completion of electrification also supports cleaner railway operations by reducing dependence on diesel traction and improving operational efficiency.

The launch marks an important step in modernising railway infrastructure and strengthening connectivity between Karnataka and Goa.