CM Pramod Sawant described the Bengaluru–Mangaluru–Madgaon Vande Bharat Express as connecting India’s IT capital with its tourist capital, after joining its launch by Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually today. Regular services begin November 15, replacing the Mangaluru–Madgaon service. The train will cover 850 km in 13 hours via Hassan, Sakleshpur, Mangaluru, Udupi, Murdeshwar, Gokarna and Karwar.
Sawant said the service would benefit Goan IT professionals working in Bengaluru, tourists and coastal Karnataka residents, while boosting interstate trade. He recalled seeking Vande Bharat connectivity to Bengaluru and Pune in 2023.
