Bengaluru to Rishikesh first-ever direct train starts: Timings, fare, stops, frequency and everything else you need to know

Indian Railways has launched its inaugural direct train service connecting Bengaluru, Karnataka, to Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. The new service (Train No. 06597/06598) will commence operations on June 19, 2025, providing travellers with a direct link between these northern and southern destinations.

Operational Details

The Yeshwantpur–Rishikesh Express Special (06597) will depart from Yeshwantpur, Bengaluru, at 7 AM on June 19, 26, and July 3, arriving at Rishikesh at 10:20 AM the next day. For the return journey, Train No. 06598 will leave Rishikesh at 5:55 PM on June 21, 28, and July 5, reaching Yeshwantpur at 7:45 PM the following Monday. The route includes stops at major cities including Nagpur, Bhopal, Agra, and Haridwar.

Passenger Facilities
The train features various accommodation options, including AC First Class, AC 2 Tier, AC 3 Tier, Sleeper Class, and General Unreserved coaches. Passengers can access catering services and e-catering facilities during the journey. Large windows enable passengers to view the landscapes. The train operates at a maximum speed of 130 km/h, maintaining an average speed of 47 km/h, inclusive of stops.


This service aims to facilitate tourism and pilgrimage activities, particularly for visitors to the Char Dham sites in Uttarakhand. Rishikesh, recognised as the 'Yoga Capital of the World', is a centre for spiritual activities and adventure sports. This service aligns with the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag railway line development, scheduled for completion by December 2026.

Station Stops
The extensive route includes stops at Yelahanka, Hindupur, Dharmavaram, Anantapur, Dhone, Kurnool City, Kacheguda (Hyderabad), Kazipet, Balharshah, Nagpur, Bhopal, Bina, Jhansi, Gwalior, Agra Cantt., Mathura, Hazrat Nizamuddin (Delhi), Ghaziabad, Meerut City, Muzaffarnagar, Tapri, Roorkee, and Haridwar Junction before reaching Rishikesh.

Reservation Details
Passengers can secure tickets through the official Indian Railways website or at railway booking offices. This service demonstrates Indian Railways' efforts to improve inter-regional connectivity across the country.