Bengaluru-Mangaluru-Goa Vande Bharat Express a welcome addition for business travellers, students, patients and tourists: KCCI

Divakar Pai Kochikar | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT The Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Mangaluru, said on Thursday that the Yeshwantpur–Mangaluru–Madgaon Vande Bharat Express to be launched on Friday is a welcome addition for business travellers, students, patients, and tourists.The president of KCCI, Divakar Pai Kochikar, said in a statement that the chamber has long sought better rail connectivity between Mangaluru and Bengaluru, and spoke of its aspiration for Vande Bharat services on this route as far back as 2022.The chamber conveyed its gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his vision of modern, fast, and reliable rail travel across the country, and for including the Karnataka coast in it. It also appreciated Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for his leadership in expanding Vande Bharat services and bringing this one to the coast.“The KCCI commends Capt. Brijesh Chowta, Member of Parliament, Dakshina Kannada, for his sustained efforts on the region’s connectivity, which have helped bring this service to the coast, and the other Members of Parliament of the coast for their support,” Mr. Kochikar said.He added that the introduction of the Vande Bharat service comes soon after the Mangaluru region’s inclusion under the Mysuru Division of South Western Railway on October 1.The chamber sees considerable potential in it for the region’s growth, with the coast better connected to Bengaluru and the interior of Karnataka for trade, industry, education, and tourism. The chamber looks forward to further rail connectivity and will continue to work with railways towards this, Mr. Kochikar said. Published - November 12, 2026 08:05 pm IST