Bengaluru Seeks Fast Vande Bharat Express Connection To Madgaon Via Coastal Karnataka
Union Heavy Industries and Steel Minister HD Kumaraswamy has formally written to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, urging the launch of a Vande Bharat Express service connecting Bengaluru with Madgaon, Goa, via the coastal districts of Karnataka. The minister highlighted that the corridor, spanning Hassan, Mangaluru, Udupi, and Karwar, is operationally ready following the completion of electrification works, making it suitable for high-speed rail operations. This proposed service is expected to strengthen regional connectivity and serve diverse passenger needs including tourists, pilgrims, students, and professionals.
Kumaraswamy emphasised the long-standing public demand for enhanced rail connectivity between Bengaluru and the coastal belt of Karnataka and Goa. “With the successful electrification across the ghat sections, the route is now operationally well-positioned for the introduction of a Vande Bharat Express service,” he wrote. He further requested that South Western Railway assess the feasibility and take swift action to implement the high-speed service, which could reduce travel times and support economic and tourism growth along the corridor.The proposed Vande Bharat Express is seen as a strategic move to enhance passenger experience along one of Karnataka’s busiest travel routes. The coastal stretch connecting Bengaluru to Madgaon attracts a wide array of travellers, from business commuters to domestic and international tourists seeking faster, comfortable, and reliable train services. By integrating modern rail technology with operational efficiency, the service is expected to provide a premium alternative to conventional trains, supporting the government’s broader vision of expanding high-speed rail networks in India.
Experts note that this initiative aligns with India’s ongoing infrastructure push to develop modern, electrified, and high-speed rail corridors. Faster connectivity along coastal Karnataka can also stimulate local economies, improve access to education and employment hubs, and boost tourism revenue in key towns like Karwar, Udupi, and Mangaluru. Regional stakeholders have welcomed the proposal, highlighting that a Vande Bharat service would not only shorten travel duration but also elevate the travel experience for daily commuters and long-distance travellers alike.
Kumaraswamy’s request represents a growing trend among state leaders advocating for region-specific high-speed rail services to meet evolving passenger expectations. With feasibility studies underway, the introduction of this Vande Bharat Express could mark a new chapter in Karnataka-Goa rail connectivity, balancing speed, efficiency, and modern passenger amenities.
