Bengaluru: The upcoming Yeshwantpur-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express is set to become India’s longest-duration chair car train service, connecting Bengaluru with coastal Karnataka and Goa through a journey lasting more than 13 hours.
The new service will operate between Yeshwantpur in Bengaluru and Madgaon in Goa via Mangaluru Junction. The Railway Board has approved the service for six days a week, providing direct connectivity to several important towns across Karnataka’s hinterland and coastal belt.
According to the approved timetable, the train will cover the journey in 13 hours and 20 minutes from Yeshwantpur to Madgaon, making it one of the longest daytime chair car journeys in the country.
Train to connect Bengaluru with coastal Karnataka
The Vande Bharat Express will operate under train numbers 26655 and 26656. It will connect Yeshwantpur with Madgaon through Hassan, Sakleshpur, Mangaluru and several coastal destinations.
The train will have 12 intermediate stoppages:
- Shravanabelagola
- Hassan
- Sakleshpur
- Subrahmanya Road
- Kabaka Puttur
- Mangaluru Junction
- Udupi
- Kundapura
- Mookambika Road Byndoor
- Murdeshwar
- Gokarna Road
- Karwar
The route is expected to benefit passengers travelling between Bengaluru, coastal Karnataka and Goa, particularly those who prefer a direct rail connection without changing trains.
Timings and weekly schedule
As per the approved timetable, the Yeshwantpur-Madgaon service will depart Bengaluru at 7.35 am and reach Goa at 8.55 pm. The return service will leave Madgaon at 8.20 am and arrive at Yeshwantpur at 9.15 pm.
| Train details | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Yeshwantpur–Madgaon (26655) | 7.35 am | 8.55 pm |
| Madgaon–Yeshwantpur (26656) | 8.20 am | 9.15 pm |
The train will operate six days a week. The Yeshwantpur-Madgaon service will not run on Wednesdays, while the return service will remain suspended on Thursdays.
Speed restrictions on Western Ghats section
One of the important features of the route is its passage through the Western Ghats between Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya Road.
The train will operate under speed restrictions on this ghat section, which is known for its challenging terrain. Reports indicate that the speed will be restricted to 30 kmph along the approximately 55-km stretch for safety reasons.
The route will also offer passengers views of the Western Ghats and the coastal landscape, making it a distinctive rail journey between Bengaluru and Goa.
Existing Mangaluru-Goa service to be replaced
The new Yeshwantpur-Madgaon Vande Bharat service will replace the existing Mangaluru Central-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express.
The Railway Board has approved two Vande Bharat trainsets for the extended route. Primary maintenance will be carried out at Yeshwantpur, while routine maintenance and coach watering arrangements will be available at Madgaon and Mangaluru Junction, respectively.
The revised service is intended to extend the benefits of Vande Bharat connectivity to Bengaluru and more destinations along the Karnataka coast.
Launch expected in November
The new service is expected to be introduced in the third week of November 2026. However, the final inauguration date and ticket fares have not yet been officially announced.
Once operational, the train will provide a direct daytime connection between Bengaluru and Goa while improving rail access to major destinations across coastal Karnataka.