KCCI Welcomes Yesvantpur–Mangaluru–Madgaon Vande Bharat Express
Mangaluru: The Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has welcomed the flag-off of the Yesvantpur–Mangaluru–Madgaon Vande Bharat Express by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing it as a significant step towards improving rail connectivity between Bengaluru, coastal Karnataka and Goa. Regular services are scheduled to commence on November 15.
KCCI President Divakar Pai Kochikar said the new service would be a welcome addition for business travellers, students, patients and tourists. He noted that the Chamber had long been advocating improved rail connectivity between Mangaluru and Bengaluru and had expressed its aspiration for a Vande Bharat service on this route as early as 2022.
The Chamber expressed its gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his vision of modern, fast and reliable rail travel across the country and for extending the Vande Bharat network to Karnataka’s coastal region.
It also appreciated Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw for his leadership in expanding Vande Bharat services and bringing the new service to the coast.
KCCI commended Capt. Brijesh Chowta, Member of Parliament representing Dakshina Kannada, for his sustained efforts to improve regional connectivity, which helped bring the service to the coast. The Chamber also acknowledged the support of other Members of Parliament from the coastal region.
Pai Kochikar further noted that the development comes shortly after Mangaluru’s transfer to the Mysuru Division of South Western Railway on October 1, 2026.
The Chamber sees considerable potential in these developments to accelerate regional growth by strengthening the coast’s connectivity with Bengaluru and the interior parts of Karnataka. Improved rail connectivity is expected to benefit trade, industry, education, and tourism.
KCCI looks forward to further improvements in rail connectivity and reiterated its commitment to working with the Railways toward achieving this objective.