Tag: 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

Konkan Railway Launches Second High-Capacity Ro-Ro Rake to Boost Freight Efficiency

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Konkan Railway has taken a significant step to strengthen freight movement along its route with the launch of its second Roll-on Roll-off (Ro-Ro) rake featuring an enhanced 57-ton capacity. The service, designed to transport loaded trucks on railway wagons, continues to provide a cost-effective logistics solution while improving freight efficiency across the region.

The first high-capacity rake, with wagons capable of carrying up to 57 tons, commenced operations on November 5, 2025. The second rake, featuring the same enhanced capacity, was introduced on December 3, 2025, expanding the reach of this innovative freight solution. Each rake comprises 15 BRN wagons, designed to carry trucks up to 57 MT, and 35 BOXN wagons, capable of handling trucks up to 50 MT. According to railway guidelines, the maximum weight permitted for BRN wagons is 57 MT and for BOXN wagons 50 MT. The increased capacity applies exclusively to these two rakes, while other rakes continue to operate with the 50 MT weight limit. For trucks exceeding 50 MT and up to 57 MT, charges are fixed at Rs 800 per MT plus applicable GST.

The enhanced capacity of these rakes is expected to significantly benefit transporters and industries dealing with heavy consignments such as iron and steel, marble, tiles, and construction materials along the Konkan Railway network. This initiative demonstrates Konkan Railway’s commitment to supporting trade and industry through innovative freight solutions along the West Coast corridor, providing both efficiency and cost-effectiveness for businesses that rely on timely and secure transportation of heavy goods.

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Japan to Introduce E10 Shinkansen Trains in Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Corridor

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India’s ambitious bullet train project just received a powerful boost. The Japanese government has officially agreed to introduce E10 series Shinkansen trains in India for the 508-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor, signaling a major step forward in Indo-Japanese infrastructure cooperation.

The E10 Shinkansen, a state-of-the-art model built for speed, comfort, and energy efficiency, is expected to significantly cut down travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to just about 2 hours, a fraction of the current 7-8 hour journey.

This high-speed rail initiative, backed by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is part of India’s larger plan to revolutionize rail transport under the Make in India initiative. While the trains will be initially manufactured in Japan, future plans include technology transfer and local production.

Key Features of the Project:

  • Distance: 508 kilometers
  • Max Speed: 320 km/h
  • Stations: 12 stations between Mumbai and Ahmedabad
  • Trains: E10 Shinkansen with advanced safety, aerodynamic design, and noise reduction tech
  • Technology Partner: Japan, with support from JICA

The decision is expected to accelerate project timelines and bring India’s first high-speed rail corridor closer to operational reality. It also strengthens diplomatic and technological ties between India and Japan, showcasing a shared commitment to next-generation mobility and green transportation solutions.

With the groundwork already underway at various project sites, this announcement brings renewed momentum and global attention to one of India’s most transformative infrastructure projects.

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Indian Railways Gears Up for Maha Kumbh 2025: 13,000 Trains to Cater to Millions of Pilgrims

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In preparation for the largest human gathering on the planet, the Indian Railways has announced plans to operate a staggering 13,000 trains during the Maha Kumbh 2025 festival in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad). This massive logistical effort aims to facilitate the smooth and safe transportation of millions of pilgrims converging on the city for this sacred event.

A Massive Undertaking

The 13,000 trains will comprise 10,000 regular trains and 3,000 special trains, which will be run over a period of 50 days. This includes 2-3 additional days before and after the event to accommodate the influx of pilgrims. The Indian Railways has pulled out all the stops to ensure that the festival-goers have a comfortable and hassle-free travel experience.

Special Arrangements

To cater to the massive demand, the Indian Railways has made special arrangements, including:

  • Augmenting train capacities to accommodate more passengers
  • Deploying additional staff and personnel to manage the increased workload
  • Setting up special ticket counters and help desks to assist pilgrims
  • Enhancing security measures to ensure the safety of passengers
    A Testament to Indian Railways’ Capabilities

The operation of 13,000 trains during Maha Kumbh 2025 is a testament to the Indian Railways’ capabilities and commitment to providing efficient and reliable transportation services to the public. With its vast network and extensive resources, the Indian Railways is well-equipped to handle the massive influx of pilgrims and ensure a successful and memorable experience for all.

Maha Kumbh 2025: A Spiritual Extravaganza

The Maha Kumbh festival is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage that takes place every 12 years in Prayagraj. The festival is a celebration of spiritual awakening, self-reflection, and communal harmony. Millions of pilgrims from across India and the world converge on the city to take a dip in the sacred Ganges River, participate in spiritual discourses, and experience the vibrant cultural heritage of India.

With the Indian Railways’ extensive preparations in place, pilgrims can look forward to a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable journey to and from Prayagraj, allowing them to focus on the spiritual significance and cultural richness of the Maha Kumbh festival.