Bengaluru To Goa By Vande Bharat Express Soon? High-Speed Rail Project Explained

Last Updated:December 23, 2025, 16:28 IST

Demand for better rail connectivity between Karnataka’s coast and Goa has grown over years; Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy says a Vande Bharat Express would benefit passengers

Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy has written to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, urging the introduction of a Vande Bharat Express service on the Bengaluru–Mangaluru–Karwar–Madgaon (Goa) route

Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy has written to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, urging the introduction of a Vande Bharat Express service on the Bengaluru–Mangaluru–Karwar–Madgaon (Goa) route. The proposal aims to address the long-pending demand for faster rail connectivity between Karnataka’s coastal districts and Goa.

In his letter, Kumaraswamy highlighted the growing need for high-speed rail services connecting Bengaluru with coastal Karnataka and Goa, citing passenger convenience and regional development. He noted that the electrification of the ghat section along this route has already been completed, removing any technical hurdles to launching the semi-high-speed train.

The Union Minister emphasised that there is no operational impediment to running a Vande Bharat Express on this corridor and that the service would significantly reduce travel time while offering modern facilities to passengers.

Demand for improved rail connectivity between the coastal belt and Goa has existed for several years, driven by tourism, trade, and daily commuter traffic. Representatives and organisations from the coastal districts have repeatedly raised the issue, especially after the completion of electrification in the ghat area strengthened the feasibility of faster trains.

Kumaraswamy stated that introducing the Vande Bharat Express on this route would benefit passengers travelling between Karnataka and Goa and help boost tourism and economic activity in the region. Vande Bharat trains have gained popularity across the country for their speed, comfort, and modern amenities.

Currently serving as the Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, Kumaraswamy has been actively pursuing infrastructure and connectivity projects related to Karnataka. Through this letter, he has sought the Centre’s attention towards improving rail links along the western coast.

With the ghat section now electrified, expectations have risen that the Railways may consider the proposal favourably. A response from the Union Railway Ministry on the request is awaited.

Modern high-speed trains like Vande Bharat promise shorter travel times without sacrificing the journey experience, making previously long trips more accessible and enjoyable. As infrastructure improves, new routes are opening up opportunities for travellers to explore the country by rail like never before.

Bengaluru To Goa Vande Bharat Express Route

The Bengaluru–Mangaluru–Karwar–Madgaon rail route connects Karnataka’s capital with key coastal cities and Goa, passing through diverse landscapes, including plains, ghats, and river valleys. The line links major urban centres like Mangaluru and Karwar before reaching Madgaon in Goa, making it an important corridor for tourism, business, and daily commuters. With the ghat section now electrified, the route can accommodate faster trains, reducing travel time significantly. Scenic stretches along the Western Ghats offer passengers panoramic views of forests, hills, and rivers, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination itself. Improved connectivity would boost trade, tourism, and regional development.

(Reporting by Karthik Naik, News18 Kannada, Bengaluru)

News auto Bengaluru To Goa By Vande Bharat Express Soon? High-Speed Rail Project Explained