Bengaluru-Goa Vande Bharat, which will pass through Western Ghats, to affect 15,000 passengers and disrupt schedules of 13 existing trains, including Gomteshwara Express and Vistadome service; check affected trains and other details

The upcoming Yeshwantpur-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express, which will connect Bengaluru with Goa, is expected to receive priority on the Western Ghats route, particularly along the 55-km Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road section. However, accommodating the new service could disrupt the schedules of 13 existing trains and affect nearly 15,000 regular passengers, according to a Times of India (TOI) report.

Read more: Bengaluru-Goa Vande Bharat Express to be among India's slowest, running at 53-54 kmph, on par with regular Mail and Express trains; why Vande Bharat trains are not operating at approved 160 kmph

13 existing trains to face schedule changes

A railway official told TOI that while the Vande Bharat Express is expected to carry around 1,100 passengers. The ToI report claims that nearly 15,000 passengers could be affected by the revised timetable. The changes are expected to cover 13 trains operating along the corridor.

Gomteshwara Express to reach Bengaluru at 10.15 pm

The 16576 Mangaluru Junction-Yeshwantpur Gomteshwara Express, widely used by passengers travelling between Mangaluru and Bengaluru, is set to see a significant change in its schedule. The train currently arrives at Yeshwantpur at 4.30 pm. Under the proposed timetable, it will leave Mangaluru at 11.40 am and reach Bengaluru at 10.15 pm, the TOI report said.

Read more: Bengaluru-Goa route to get new Vande Bharat Express that will pass through scenic Western Ghats: Check route, stops, timings, timetable and other key details

Revised timings could affect Vistadome passengers

The Gomteshwara Express has a vistadome coach that allows passengers to enjoy panoramic views of the Western Ghats. The revised schedule, however, could take away the convenience of reaching Bengaluru by late afternoon, particularly for passengers who prefer daytime travel.

Karwar-Yeshwantpur Express arrival to be delayed by 85 minutes

The 16516 Karwar-Yeshwantpur Express is also likely to be affected. The train currently reaches Bengaluru at 8.50 pm, but its arrival time is expected to shift to 10.15 pm under the revised schedule, as per the TOI report.

Yeshwantpur-Hassan Superfast Express to see lower average speed

The 22679 Yeshwantpur-Hassan Superfast Express is expected to record an average speed of less than 55 kmph in both directions. The reduction could add to the journey time for passengers travelling on this route.

Several other trains to face delays of up to 25 minutes

In addition to the major timetable changes, other trains operating along the corridor are likely to face en-route regulation of 10 to 25 minutes. These adjustments are intended to accommodate the Vande Bharat Express, which will be given priority through the ghat section.

Bengaluru-Goa Vande Bharat Express: Route and stoppages

The Bengaluru-Goa Vande Bharat Express will run via Mangaluru Junction, covering 12 stations along the route:

• Shravanabelagola
• Hassan
• Sakleshpur
• Subrahmanya Road
• Kabaka Puttur
• Mangaluru Junction
• Udupi
• Kundapura
• Mookambika Road Byndoor
• Murdeshwar
• Gokarna Road
• Karwar

The train will pass through the Western Ghats, including the scenic stretch between Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya Road.

Bengaluru-Goa Vande Bharat Express: Timings and operating days

The Yesvantpur-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express will operate under train numbers 26655 and 26656, a TOI report said.

• Train 26655: It will depart from Yesvantpur at 7:35 am and reach Madgaon at 8:55 pm. The service will run six days a week, except Wednesdays.
• Train 26656: On the return journey, it will leave Madgaon at 8:20 am and arrive at Yesvantpur at 9:15 pm. It will operate six days a week, except Thursdays.

How long will the Bengaluru-Goa Vande Bharat journey take?

The journey from Yesvantpur to Madgaon is set to be nearly 13 hours and 20 minutes, while the return trip to Yesvantpur is scheduled to take around 12 hours and 55 minutes.

Bengaluru-Goa Vande Bharat speed

The Bengaluru-Goa Vande Bharat Express is expected to be the one of the slowest and longest-running service in the Vande Bharat network. Covering a distance of 670 km, the Vande Bharat Express will take 12 hours and 20 minutes on its journey to Goa, while the return trip is scheduled to take 12 hours and 55 minutes. This translates into an average speed of 54 kmph and 53 kmph, respectively.

With an average speed below 55 kmph, the Bengaluru-Goa service will fall short of the threshold for the Superfast Express category. Instead, its speed will be comparable to that of regular Mail and Express trains, which typically average 50-54 kmph. Indian Railways classifies trains operating at an average speed of 55 kmph or above as Superfast Express services.

However, the relatively slow journey time is partly due to the challenging terrain along the Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road ghat section in the Western Ghats, where trains must adhere to safety-related speed restrictions.