Proposal for Vande Bharat train from Tirupati to Shivamogga gets green signal

The Indian Railways has initiated a trial run of a new Vande Bharat Express train between Yesvantpur and Mangaluru Central. This semi-high-speed train, spanning about 360 kilometers, will be operated on the Bengaluru to coastal Karnataka route, with a focus on enhancing connectivity. The 16-coach Vande Bharat Express, developed by the Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory, is the 13th such train serving Karnataka, following the successful electrification of the ghat section in December 2025.

The trial, which includes senior officials from various departments, aims to evaluate the travel time and service timings. Upon completion, the new Vande Bharat Express is anticipated to further bolster connectivity between Bengaluru and Mangaluru, with the electrification project involving the construction of five switching stations and the installation of an overhead electrification system, ensuring a safer and more reliable rail journey.