Bengaluru to get new Vande Bharat train: Bengaluru is set to get a new Vande Bharat Express soon, as Indian Railways has commenced a trial run between Yesvantpur and Mangaluru Central. The new semi-high-speed train is expected to further strengthen connectivity between Bengaluru and coastal Karnataka. The approximately 360-km-long route falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the South Western Railway’s (SWR) Bengaluru Division.

According to the Railway division, the trial run is being conducted with a 16-coach Vande Bharat Express train. The trial is aimed at assessing the proposed travel time and timings of the service.

During the run, senior officials and staff from the Operations, TRO/TRD (Electrical), Engineering and Mechanical departments will monitor various operational and safety aspects.

Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat moves closer to launch

Developed by Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF), the white-and-blue coloured Vande Bharat Express will be the 13th such train serving Karnataka. Currently, 12 pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains are operating in the state. Once introduced, the Yesvantpur-Mangaluru Central Vande Bharat is expected to further strengthen connectivity up to Madgaon.

Electrification of Ghat section opens possibilities for Vande Bharat

Electrification of the Bengaluru-Mangaluru rail route was completed in December 2025, with an electric locomotive trial conducted on December 28, 2025. The electrification work began in December 2023.

The project involved the construction of five switching stations and the installation of a complete overhead electrification system. To ensure safety and reliability, the maximum distance between traction poles was maintained at 67.5 metres.

The electrification of the ghat section is expected to enable the operation of Vande Bharat Express and other faster electric trains, providing quicker, cleaner and more reliable rail connectivity to the coastal region. Earlier, in a statement highlighting the impact of electrification of the ghat section, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said: “Now we will be able to run Vande Bharat train through this route to Mangaluru.”