Indian Railways is preparing to expand its Vande Bharat Express network with another semi-high-speed train connecting Karnataka’s capital Bengaluru with the coastal region. According to railway officials, the new service is expected to begin operations on November 13, 2026, improving rail connectivity between Bengaluru, Mangaluru and other important destinations along the route.
The upcoming service is expected to make travel more convenient for passengers while reducing journey times between coastal Karnataka and Bengaluru. The development is also part of Indian Railways’ continued efforts to introduce modern, faster and more comfortable train services across the country.
Bengaluru-Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express: Latest Update
The 26655/26656 Bengaluru-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express, which will operate through Mangaluru, is also expected to be introduced on November 13. The train will be operated and maintained by the South Western Railway (SWR) zone.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had earlier indicated that Vande Bharat services between Bengaluru and Mangaluru would begin within a few weeks. He made the announcement during the launch of the Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat sleeper train on November 1, 2026.
The minister explained that the new service would be introduced after completing railway electrification work and conducting the necessary trial runs.
Electrification of the Bengaluru-Mangaluru railway route was completed by December 2025. An electric locomotive also successfully completed a trial run on the route on December 28, 2025.
The electrification project began in December 2023 and involved the installation of five switching stations connected to the overhead electrification system. For operational safety, traction poles were installed at intervals of no more than 67.5 metres.
With electrification of the challenging Ghat section now completed, electric train operations can be carried out across the entire route.
Bengaluru-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express Route and Stoppages
The proposed Vande Bharat service between Bengaluru and Madgaon will connect several important towns and coastal destinations in Karnataka.
The train is expected to have 12 intermediate stoppages between Yesvantpur and Madgaon:
- Shravanabelagola
- Hassan
- Sakleshpur
- Subrahmanya Road
- Kabaka Puttur
- Mangaluru Junction
- Udupi
- Kundapura
- Mookambika Road Byndoor
- Murdeshwar
- Gokarna Road
- Karwar
The route will provide improved connectivity for passengers travelling between Bengaluru and important destinations across coastal Karnataka and Goa.
Vande Bharat Express: Safety Features and Modern Facilities
Passenger safety and comfort are among the major priorities of the Vande Bharat train series. More than 160 domestically manufactured Vande Bharat chair car trains are currently operating across India.
The upcoming service will also feature modern onboard technology and advanced safety arrangements.
One of its key safety systems will be Kavach, India’s automatic train protection system. Other facilities include jerk-free semi-permanent couplers, automatic doors and wide, fully sealed gangways connecting the coaches.
The train will also have aerosol-based fire detection and suppression systems installed in its toilets and electrical cabinets.
With a design and operational speed of 180 kmph and 160 kmph respectively, the train is equipped with several additional safety features. These include a communication system with voice-recording facilities between the locomotive pilot and guard, emergency alarm push buttons and talk-back units.
The introduction of the Bengaluru-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express is expected to strengthen railway connectivity across Karnataka’s coastal region. Once operational, the service will offer passengers a modern travel option with upgraded safety systems and improved onboard facilities.