Tag: South Western Railway

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.

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Goa Representative Pushes for Special Velankanni Trains at 38th DRUCC Meeting

allycaralgoa

Hubballi, June 20, 2025 — The 38th Division Railway Users Consultative Committee (DRUCC) meeting was held in the Seminar Hall of the Chief Workshop Manager’s Office, Gadag Road, Hubballi, bringing together railway officials and user representatives to discuss issues affecting passengers in the South Western Railway zone.

The meeting was chaired by Smt. Bela Meena, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Hubballi Division, and attended by 13 DRUCC members. Among the key participants was Shri Augusto M Da Costa, who represented South Goa Member of Parliament, Capt. Viriato Fernandes.

Focus on Velankanni Special Trains for Goan Devotees

During the meeting, Shri Augusto M Da Costa highlighted a pressing concern for pilgrims from Goa — the need for annual special trains to Velankanni, Tamil Nadu, to coincide with the novenas and feast celebrations held from 27 August to 8 September each year. These religious events attract thousands of devotees from Goa and other parts of the country.

“Goan devotees face challenges planning their journey to Velankanni every year. To ease their travel, it’s essential that special trains be scheduled and announced well in advance,” said Da Costa.

He specifically requested that special trains from Vasco-da-Gama (VSG) to Velankanni (VLKN) and back be arranged for this period annually. He also urged the DRM to issue orders at least one month in advance to ensure devotees have sufficient time to plan their pilgrimage.

Positive Response from Railway Officials

The committee was receptive to the proposal, noting that the operation of such special trains during the Velankanni feast season is both feasible and in public interest. It was resolved that the proposal would be forwarded to CPTM/SWR (Chief Passenger Traffic Manager, South Western Railway) for approval. If approved, three trips of a special VSG–VLKN–VSG train will be scheduled at feasible dates and times.

Weekly Velankanni Train Timing Concerns Raised

Another issue brought to the committee’s attention was the inconvenience caused by the weekly train from Vasco to Velankanni, which departs on Monday mornings and arrives in Velankanni on Tuesday afternoons. Devotees have expressed concern that the train arrives too late, leaving them with little time to engage in pilgrimage activities before having to return.

Shri Augusto M Da Costa proposed a simple but impactful solution — to allow the train to halt at Velankanni for an extra day, giving pilgrims sufficient time for their religious observances.

In response, DRM Bela Meena assured the committee that this suggestion would be considered seriously and included in the agenda of the next DRUCC meeting for further discussion and decision-making.

The discussions at the 38th DRUCC meeting reflect the critical role that user representatives and community leaders play in shaping public transportation services. With cooperation from South Western Railway authorities, Goan pilgrims may soon have more convenient and accessible travel options to one of their most cherished religious destinations.