Tag: Indian Railways

Travel

Bengaluru to Goa in 13 Hours? Vande Bharat Set to Transform the Journey

Tanisha Cardozo

Travelling between Bengaluru and Goa may soon become significantly faster and more convenient, as plans for a new Vande Bharat Express service gather momentum. According to sources, the semi-high-speed train is expected to complete the journey in approximately 13 hours, offering a major upgrade over existing rail options.

The proposed service is likely to operate between Yesvantpur in Bengaluru and Madgaon in Goa, with a tentative departure at 6:05 am and arrival at 7:15 pm. For the return journey, the train is expected to leave Madgaon at 5:30 am and reach Yesvantpur by 6:40 pm. This schedule, while not yet official, provides a glimpse into how the service could reshape travel plans for both tourists and regular commuters.

The route is planned through the Mangaluru railway region, with a notable operational change — the train is expected to bypass both Mangaluru Junction and Mangaluru Central by using the Padil Bypass. This adjustment is aimed at improving travel time and operational efficiency. Additionally, the South Western Railway has proposed increasing speeds on key sections of the route, including boosting the maximum speed between Chikka Banawara and Hasan from 110 kmph to 130 kmph. The challenging Sakleshpur–Subramanya Road ghat section, known for its terrain, may also see a speed increase from 30 kmph to 40 kmph.

The proposal has already been submitted by South Western Railway to the Railway Board, and discussions are currently underway. The announcement of the service will depend on final approval, along with the availability of two Vande Bharat trainsets required to operate the route efficiently.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had earlier indicated plans for introducing the service, following which the ministry sought a formal proposal. With the groundwork now in place, the project appears to be moving steadily toward implementation, though timelines remain subject to official clearance.

Before the service becomes operational, trial runs will be conducted using two Vande Bharat rakes equipped with an Automatic Emergency Braking system, ensuring enhanced safety standards. However, these trials are contingent on the certification and energisation of the overhead electrical equipment on the Hassan–Thokur section, which was recently electrified.

If approved, this new connection could mark a significant step forward in rail connectivity between Karnataka and Goa, benefiting tourism, business travel, and regional mobility. For travellers, it promises not just reduced journey time, but a more comfortable and modern travel experience — potentially making train travel the preferred choice between these two popular destinations.

Travel

PM Modi Flags Off Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express, Linking Kerala, Tamil Nadu & Karnataka

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express on Saturday, marking another milestone in India’s expanding network of high-speed passenger trains. The Prime Minister inaugurated the service virtually from Varanasi, along with three other Vande Bharat trains — the Banaras–Khajuraho, Firozpur–Delhi, and Lucknow–Saharanpur routes.

The Ernakulam Junction–KSR Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 06652) departed from Ernakulam at 8.41 a.m. amid a festive atmosphere, complete with flowers, balloons, and the traditional sounds of Chendamelam. Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Union Ministers of State Suresh Gopi and George Kurian, Kerala Industries Minister P. Rajeeve, MP Hibi Eden, MLA T.J. Vinod, and Kochi Mayor M. Anilkumar were among the dignitaries who participated in the event virtually.

In his address, Prime Minister Modi said that the Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat trains are shaping the future of Indian Railways, laying the foundation for a new era of speed, comfort, and innovation.

The new inter-State Vande Bharat Express will significantly enhance regional connectivity by linking key cities across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka — including Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Krishnarajapuram, and KSR Bengaluru. The train will cover the journey in 8 hours and 40 minutes, saving over two hours compared to existing services.

Regular operations will begin on November 11, running six days a week, except Wednesday. The KSR Bengaluru–Ernakulam train (No. 26651) will depart Bengaluru at 5:10 a.m. and reach Ernakulam at 1:50 p.m. The return train (No. 26652) will leave Ernakulam at 2:20 p.m. and arrive in Bengaluru at 11 p.m.

Speaking onboard the inaugural service, Minister Suresh Gopi described the Vande Bharat as “a revolution on rails,” adding that further expansion depends on Kerala’s readiness to provide land for track doubling and straighten sharp curves. “If there are more tracks, more trains will come,” he said, highlighting the state’s crucial role in enabling faster train operations.

Children selected through a drawing competition and officials from various departments also joined the inaugural run, marking the event with celebrations and enthusiasm.

The Ernakulam–Bengaluru service becomes the third Vande Bharat for Kerala and the first inter-State connection linking the state with Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. With its addition, the Southern Railway now operates 12 Vande Bharat trains, and the nationwide total has surpassed 160 operational services, reflecting India’s growing commitment to modern, high-speed rail travel.

Travel

Indian Railways to Let Passengers Change Travel Dates on Confirmed Tickets from January 2026

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New Delhi, October 2025: In a landmark move to enhance passenger convenience, Indian Railways has announced that starting January 2026, travellers will be able to reschedule the travel date of confirmed tickets online — a feature that eliminates the need for cancellation or rebooking.

This long-awaited feature, described as a “huge gift for the Janata,” aims to bring flexibility to millions of daily passengers who often face challenges when plans change at the last minute.

Under the new system, passengers can log in to the IRCTC website or mobile app and select a new date for their confirmed journey. The system will allow rescheduling without any additional charges.

Officials from the Ministry of Railways have confirmed that this update is part of a broader digital modernization initiative designed to make Indian Railways more passenger-centric and efficient.

With an annual ridership of over 8 billion passengers, the move is expected to significantly reduce the burden of cancellations and ticket rebookings.

The feature rollout will begin in January 2026, following pilot testing across select railway zones.

This initiative underscores Indian Railways’ commitment to “ease of travel” — combining tradition, technology, and trust to serve India’s ever-growing commuter base.

Human Interest

Surekha Yadav, Asia’s First Woman Train Driver, Retires After Trailblazing 36-Year Career

Tanisha Cardozo

Surekha Yadav, Asia’s first woman train driver and a towering symbol of women’s empowerment in India, has officially retired after completing an inspiring 36-year career with Indian Railways. Her retirement marks the end of an era — one that reshaped mindsets, challenged norms, and paved the way for countless women in a traditionally male-dominated profession.

Starting her journey at a time when few women even considered careers in the transport sector, Yadav became the first woman to take control of a train in Asia. She not only mastered the technical skills of train operation but also braved skepticism, stereotypes, and systemic challenges to prove that determination and passion know no gender.

Over the decades, Surekha Yadav went on to drive prestigious trains including the Deccan Queen and the Vande Bharat Express, while also mentoring younger women entering the field. Her story became a symbol of change, featured in textbooks, media, and government recognition programs.

Yadav’s legacy goes far beyond her job description. She is credited with being a changemaker, a role model, and a quiet revolutionary whose daily commitment slowly but surely changed perceptions about women’s roles in public service and high-responsibility jobs.

As she steps away from the tracks, Surekha Yadav leaves behind not just a career but a movement — one that will continue to empower and motivate future generations to dream bigger and push boundaries.

Her journey may have reached its final station, but her impact will continue to travel far and wide.

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Indian Railways to Name Trains After Martyrs in Historic Tribute to India’s Bravehearts

Tanisha Cardozo

In an unprecedented act of national reverence, Indian Railways has announced a historic decision to name select trains after India’s martyred soldiers. This initiative marks a profound shift in how we remember and honour our heroes — not just through statues or ceremonies, but through the rhythm of everyday life.

This is more than symbolism. It’s a transformation of our daily journeys into moving memorials. When a train is named after a soldier who gave his life for the nation, every station announcement becomes a call to remember. Every glance at the nameplate becomes a moment of reflection. Each arrival and departure carries with it a silent salute.

Deputy officials noted that this step is part of a larger cultural shift in India — one that seeks not only to acknowledge sacrifice but to live with gratitude. As these trains cross states and span distances, they’ll carry more than just passengers; they’ll carry legacy, memory, and national pride.

The decision also aligns with the spirit of a “New India” — one that actively honours its protectors and integrates patriotism into daily life. From remote villages to bustling metros, these trains will become mobile tributes, connecting citizens not only geographically but emotionally.

Families of martyrs will find their loved ones remembered not just on plaques, but in motion — etched into the daily rhythm of the country. Schoolchildren, daily commuters, and travellers alike will encounter the names and stories of India’s brave soldiers — learning not just about destinations, but about the people who helped secure them.

This move ensures that the sacrifices of our armed forces are never forgotten. As India continues to modernise its infrastructure and expand its railways, it now does so with a soul-stirring purpose: to make every mile count — for memory, for honour, for the nation.