Bengaluru – People in Bengaluru and Goa are talking a lot about a new train idea. The South Western Railway has sent a plan to the Railway Board for a Vande Bharat Express from Yesvantpur in Bengaluru to Madgaon in Goa. This train could take about 13 hours to cover 670 km. It would go through beautiful hills but face some slow parts. Many like the idea for better comfort, but others worry about the long sit in chair cars and if it’s worth the money. This comes after Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw talked about coastal trains. The plan is to run it six days a week, but it’s still waiting for okay. Let’s look at what this means for travelers.
Details of the Proposal
The plan comes from three railway groups: South Western Railway, Southern Railway, and Konkan Railway Corporation. They want to start this semi-fast train soon. The train will start from Yesvantpur because the main Bengaluru station has no space for upkeep. It will need two sets of coaches to run both ways every day. The Railway Board is looking at it now. If approved, it could start in a few months. Manjunath Kanamadi, a top officer from South Western Railway, said, “We have given our ideas and are waiting for the Board’s choice.” This train is part of a bigger push for Vande Bharat trains across India. These trains are made in India and have good seats, AC, and food service. They are faster than normal trains on flat tracks, but this route has hills.
The distance is around 670 to 700 km. Current trains like the Yesvantpur-Vasco da Gama Express take 15 hours. So, this new one saves about 2 hours. But buses on roads can do it in 10 to 12 hours, depending on traffic. Cars might take the same or less if you drive fast. Still, the train offers a safe way without driving stress. The proposal skips big stops like Mangaluru Junction and Central to avoid crowds. Instead, it uses a bypass at Padil. This makes some people in Mangaluru unhappy because they won’t get direct access.
Route and Schedule
The train will leave Yesvantpur at 6:05 am and reach Madgaon at 7:15 pm. On the way back, it leaves Madgaon at 5:30 am and gets to Yesvantpur by 6:40 pm. Stops are only four: Hassan, Sakleshpur, Subrahmanya Road, and Padil. This keeps it quick. The route goes through the Mangaluru area but skips the main stations to save time. From Bengaluru, it heads west through Karnataka’s green parts, then into the Western Ghats with twists and turns, and finally to Goa’s coast.
Many travelers go between these places for work, holidays, or family. Goa is famous for beaches, and Bengaluru for jobs. A better train could help tourism. But the early start might not suit everyone. The Board asked to think about starting after 6:30 am. The track is fully electric, so no diesel issues.
Challenges in the Western Ghats
The big problem is the hills. The Western Ghats have sharp bends and steep slopes. Here, the train might go only 30 kmph in some spots. Overall, average speed could be under 50 kmph. Vande Bharat can go up to 160 kmph on straight tracks, but not here. This makes the 13-hour time same as some current trains.
People say the tracks need upgrade. Doubling the line or making it straighter could help. But that costs a lot and takes time. For now, the train will follow the old path. This route is pretty, with views of forests, rivers, and hills. Travelers might enjoy the scenery, but sitting 13 hours in a chair car could be tiring. No sleeper option yet, as Vande Bharat is for day trips. A user on X said, “It doesn’t even reduce the duration, let alone anything else. Demand for VB is because it says its faster than normal but inreality its just a normal train.”
Comparison with Other Travel Options
Buses are popular. Private buses take 10-12 hours and cost less. They have sleepers for night trips. Cars give freedom but roads have tolls and traffic. Flights are fast, about 1 hour, but airports are far and tickets costly. The train could be in between: comfy like flight but cheaper, with no check-in hassle.
But for 13 hours in day, some prefer night trains to sleep. Low fill on other Vande Bharat routes is a worry. One person on social media noted, “The Vande Bharat concept is good, but it’s not for the middle class; the cost exceeds the limits of the lower-middle class. This is why, on some routes, Vande Bharat trains never reach even 50% occupancy.” Fares might be Rs 1,500 to 2,500, higher than normal trains.
Public Reactions and Debates
Reactions are mixed. Some are excited for modern travel. A traveler said, “It will be great for enjoying the views without driving.” But others question the point. In Mangaluru, people are sad about no stop. A journalist on X wrote, “A #VandeBharat between #Bengaluru and #Goa will be a juggle between traffic management and passenger sentiment.”
Experts say upgrade tracks first. A railway fan said, “I wish VB had a dedicated route making could have been possible in the past 10 yrs just connecting major cities.” Some want sleeper Vande Bharat for long routes. The debate is if premium trains help or just show. General view: Good step, but needs better speed.
Union Minister Suresh Gopi, talking about similar trains, said, “Travel was a major concern… With the introduction of two Vande Bharat trains… it has become a roar.” But critics like one X user call Vande Bharat a “massive FAILURE, an expensive train no one asked for & few can afford.”
Potential Benefits
If it starts, it could boost trips. Tourists from Bengaluru can reach Goa easy for weekends. Business people get reliable link. It promotes green travel over cars. The train has better safety, like anti-collision tech. It could help local economies at stops. In future, with track work, time could drop to 10 hours. This fits India’s plan for more fast trains by 2030.
What Experts and Officials Say
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw pushed for coastal trains. An official from Konkan Railway said, “The proposed service… is expected to significantly enhance travel for business commuters.” A transport expert added, “The terrain is tough, but Vande Bharat can handle it with comfort.” Passengers hope for low fares. One said, “If it’s affordable, I’ll use it for family trips.”
FAQs
What is the proposed route for the Bengaluru-Goa Vande Bharat?
The train will run from Yesvantpur in Bengaluru to Madgaon in Goa, covering about 670 km. It passes through Hassan, Sakleshpur, Subrahmanya Road, and Padil, bypassing Mangaluru’s main stations to avoid delays. The path goes through Karnataka’s interiors and the Western Ghats before reaching Goa’s coast. This route is chosen for its existing tracks, but upgrades are needed for faster speeds in the future.
How long will the journey take, and what is the schedule?
The trip is set for 13 hours and 10 minutes. The train leaves Yesvantpur at 6:05 am and arrives in Madgaon at 7:15 pm. The return starts at 5:30 am from Madgaon and reaches Yesvantpur by 6:40 pm. It runs six days a week, but this could change. The early timings aim to cover the day journey, but some suggest a later start for convenience.
Why is the speed low on this route?
The Western Ghats have many curves and slopes, limiting speed to 30 kmph in some areas. Average speed is below 50 kmph. Vande Bharat is built for high speeds, but the track isn’t straight enough. Experts say doubling the line or realigning parts could help, but that’s a long-term plan. For now, it’s similar to other trains on this path.
Is this train better than buses or flights?
It depends. Buses take 10-12 hours and have sleepers, costing less. Flights are 1 hour but add airport time and higher price. The train offers AC comfort, meals, and views without traffic worries. But for day travel, chair cars might tire you. If you like scenery, it’s good; for speed, flight wins.
What are the main concerns from people?
Many worry about the long sit without beds, high fares for middle class, and low use like other routes. Skipping Mangaluru upsets locals. Some say fix tracks first for real speed. But others see it as a step to better links.
When will the train start running?
It’s waiting for Railway Board approval. If okay, it could start in months. Keep checking official sites for updates.