The proposed Bengaluru-Goa Vande Bharat Express could affect the schedules of 13 existing trains operating along the Western Ghats railway corridor, potentially disrupting travel for nearly 15,000 regular passengers. While the new service is expected to improve direct connectivity between Bengaluru and Goa, its introduction may require railway authorities to revise existing timetables and regulate train movements on an already congested section.
The proposed Yesvantpur-Madgaon service has received approval from the Railway Board, with its scheduling expected to affect several passenger and express services operating across Karnataka.
Why Could 13 Train Services Be Affected?
The primary challenge involves the 55-km Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road railway section, which passes through the Western Ghats. The difficult terrain and limited track capacity make train scheduling particularly challenging.
According to reports, the new Vande Bharat service is likely to receive priority on this section. This could require railway authorities to regulate existing trains, revise departure timings and provide additional running time for certain services.
The proposed Vande Bharat is expected to carry approximately 1,100 passengers. Accommodating the train within the existing railway schedule could therefore affect thousands of regular commuters and long-distance travellers.
Gomteshwara Express Among the Most Affected
One of the services facing a possible timetable revision is the 16576 Mangaluru Junction-Yeshwantpur Gomteshwara Express.
The train currently reaches Yeshwantpur at approximately 4:30 pm. Under the proposed revised schedule, it could depart Mangaluru at 11:40 am and arrive in Bengaluru at 1:15 pm.
Such a change would significantly alter its arrival time, potentially affecting passengers who depend on the service for afternoon travel to Bengaluru.
The train is also popular for its Vistadome coach, which offers panoramic views of the Western Ghats through large windows. Changes in departure timings could affect the daylight viewing experience for passengers travelling through the scenic stretch.
Other Trains Could Experience Delays
The 22679 Yesvantpur-Hassan Superfast Express could also face operational changes. It is expected to operate at an average speed of below 55 kmph in both directions, potentially increasing journey times.
Other trains operating along the corridor could experience delays ranging between 10 and 25 minutes because of en-route regulation.
The impact is expected to extend beyond passengers travelling directly between Bengaluru and Mangaluru, affecting regular railway users across the Western Ghats region.
Bengaluru-Goa Vande Bharat Route and Timings
The proposed Vande Bharat Express will cover approximately 670 km between Yesvantpur and Madgaon.
The journey from Bengaluru to Goa is expected to take around 12 hours and 20 minutes, while the return journey could take approximately 12 hours and 55 minutes.
The service will connect several destinations, including Hassan, Sakleshpur, Mangaluru, Udupi, Kundapura, Murdeshwar, Gokarna Road and Karwar.
The final scheduling decisions will determine the extent of disruption to existing passengers. Railway authorities will need to balance the introduction of the new service with the requirements of thousands of regular commuters.
Summary
The proposed Bengaluru-Goa Vande Bharat Express could disrupt schedules of 13 existing trains and affect nearly 15,000 regular passengers. The 55-km Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road section may receive priority for the new service. The Gomteshwara Express could see significant timing changes, while other trains may face delays of 10-25 minutes due to operational adjustments.
