Bengaluru-Goa Vande Bharat Train Proposal Under Review by Railway Board
In a significant development for rail connectivity in southern India, the South Western Railway (SWR), Southern Railway, and the Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) have jointly submitted a proposal to the Railway Board earlier this month. The plan outlines the introduction of a Vande Bharat train service between Yeswanthpur in Bengaluru and Madgaon in Goa, aiming to enhance travel options for commuters and tourists alike.
Proposed Schedule and Operational Details
According to documents accessed by sources, the proposed train is scheduled to operate six days a week, with a departure from Yeswantpur at 6:05 am. The journey is estimated to take over 12 hours, arriving at Madgaon by 7:15 pm. Along the route, the train would make four key stoppages:
- Hassan
- Sakleshpur
- Subrahmanya Road
- Padil
This proposed service offers a notable improvement over existing options. For instance, the current Yeswanthpur-Vasco da Gama Express requires nearly 15 hours to cover the approximately 700-kilometer distance, highlighting the potential time savings with the new Vande Bharat train.
Challenges and Adjustments in the Proposal
Despite the ambitious plan, several operational hurdles have been identified. The Railway Board has requested that the zones consider adjusting the departure time to after 6:30 am, indicating a need for fine-tuning the tentative timetable. Additionally, SWR officials pointed out that while KSR Bengaluru is the most preferred station in the city, maintenance slots there are insufficient, leading to the selection of Yeswanthpur as the terminal.
Due to the long distance between Bengaluru and Goa, the service will require two Vande Bharat rakes to run simultaneously to ensure efficiency and coverage. However, speed limitations pose a significant challenge. The Railway Board anticipates an average speed of less than 50 kmph for the train, with sections through ghat areas potentially reducing speeds to as low as 30 kmph. This is a stark contrast to the Vande Bharat train's capability of cruising above 160 kmph, meaning the journey might still be relatively slow despite the advanced technology.
Current Status and Awaiting Decision
Manjunath Kanamadi, Chief PRO of SWR, confirmed that the Railway Board has not yet made a final decision on the stoppages and has not issued a coaching notification. SWR has submitted its inputs and is currently awaiting further directives from the Board. This indicates that while the proposal is under active consideration, modifications and approvals are still pending, with stakeholders keenly observing the outcome.
The introduction of a Vande Bharat train between Bengaluru and Goa could revolutionize rail travel in the region, offering faster and more comfortable options. However, addressing the speed constraints and operational logistics will be crucial for its successful implementation. As the Railway Board deliberates, commuters and industry experts alike are hopeful for a positive resolution that enhances connectivity and boosts regional tourism.
