Madgaon, November 13: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant attended the flag-off ceremony of the Bengaluru-Mangaluru-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express at Madgaon Railway Station on Friday. The train was virtually flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Bengaluru.
The Yesvantpur-Madgaon service will connect key destinations across coastal Karnataka and Goa, covering approximately 670 kilometres in around 13 hours. The 16-coach train has a seating capacity of 1,128 passengers and connects 12 intermediate stations along the route. Regular services are scheduled to begin on November 15, 2026, operating six days a week in both directions.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the vital role of infrastructure in the country’s development journey. He said better connectivity creates new opportunities for progress, employment and industry. When the benefits of development reach every section of society, it also strengthens the fight against poverty. He noted that nearly 50 crore citizens had come out of extreme poverty in the country over the past few years.
He further emphasised that modern rail connectivity brings regions closer, improves access to opportunities and supports economic growth. He said projects such as the Vande Bharat service reflect the government’s commitment to building modern infrastructure that benefits people and strengthens connectivity across the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the new service was not merely a transport facility but an important link between two regions with strong economic and cultural ties. He said the Vande Bharat Express would strengthen the bond between Goa and Bengaluru and boost tourism, trade and economic activity. Improved connectivity would encourage more visitors to explore Goa’s beaches, temples, forts and hinterland while creating opportunities for local businesses and tourism-related sectors.
Sawant said the service would benefit students, patients, professionals, traders and tourists by making travel faster and more convenient. He highlighted the potential for stronger economic ties between Goa and coastal Karnataka, particularly in tourism, hospitality, transport, fisheries and horticulture. He also said the Goa Government would work towards improving last-mile connectivity to railway stations and coordinate with the Railways for the upgradation of Madgaon and other stations to ensure that the benefits of improved connectivity reach people across the state.
Sawant congratulated the engineers, supervisors and workers of South Western Railway, Konkan Railway and Hassan-Mangalore Rail Development Company for their efforts in making the service possible. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for this addition to Goa’s railway connectivity and their continued efforts to strengthen the railway network across the country. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Railway Board, Konkan Railway Corporation, South Western Railway and the Government of Karnataka.
Also present at the ceremony were PWD Minister Digambar Kamat, MLA Ulhas Tuenkar, the Chairman and Managing Director of Konkan Railway Corporation, senior officers of the Railway Board, South Western Railway and Konkan Railway, distinguished guests from Karnataka and other railway officials.
