Big rail push in Bengaluru: 2 new trains to Mumbai, Vande Bharat to Mangaluru soon

A Vande Bharat train between Bengaluru and Mangaluru, to be extended to Madgaon, along with two Bengaluru-Mumbai services, is set to be launched soon.

In Short

• Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw promises three new trains from Bengaluru
• Vande Bharat Express to connect Bengaluru, Mangaluru and Madgaon soon
• Two new Bengaluru-Mumbai trains including Vande Bharat Sleeper introduced

In a major push to rail connectivity across Karnataka and beyond, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that three new train services, including a semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express linking Bengaluru with the coastal belt, and two trains to Mumbai, will be launched soon.

According to the minister, the Vande Bharat service connecting Bengaluru with Mangaluru and extending up to Madgaon is in the final stages of planning. The project is expected to significantly enhance connectivity across coastal Karnataka and further integrate it with Goa.

“The service from Bengaluru to Mangaluru and onward to Madgaon is being planned. Electrification of the Hassan-Mangaluru railway line has been completed, and testing and trials are under way. We expect the Vande Bharat service to be operational within the next few months, enhancing connectivity across the coastal region,” Vaishnaw said.

In parallel, the Railways will roll out two new services between Bengaluru and Mumbai. These include a superfast Mail/Express train equipped with advanced LHB coaches via Hubballi–Dharwad, and a Vande Bharat Sleeper Express aimed at offering faster and more comfortable overnight travel between the two cities.

“Simultaneously, we are introducing two new services to Mumbai, a superfast train via Hubballi–Dharwad and a Vande Bharat sleeper service between Bengaluru and Mumbai. Both are expected to begin operations within the next couple of months,” he added.

The minister emphasised that the expansion plans are designed to ensure seamless connectivity to key coastal destinations, including Madgaon and other towns along the Konkan belt. He also noted that key technical challenges have been addressed, including full electrification of the Hassan–Mangaluru stretch and the integration of advanced safety systems such as Automated Emergency Braking (AEB), which is crucial for navigating the steep gradients of the coastal route.

The new services are expected to reduce travel time, improve passenger comfort, and strengthen economic and tourism linkages between Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra.

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