Mangalore to Goa Vande Bharat Express: A Memorable Journey

On December 30, 2023, a significant milestone was achieved in Indian Railways' history when Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the new Mangaluru Central to Madgaon Goa Vande Bharat Express train. This inaugural event, conducted via video conferencing from the revamped Ayodhya Dham railway station, marked the introduction of a high-speed, luxurious travel option connecting Karnataka and Goa.

The Vande Bharat Express, operating between Mangaluru and Madgaon, promises to enhance tourism and provide a convenient travel option for commuters, including students, business professionals, and IT experts. The train, numbered 20646/20645, offers a scenic journey with stops at Udupi and Karwar. Departing from Mangaluru Central at 8:30 AM, it reaches Madgaon at 1:15 PM, and on its return, it leaves Madgaon at 6:10 PM, arriving in Mangaluru Central at 10:45 PM. Operating six days a week, this train excludes service on Thursdays.

This Vande Bharat service, the 41st in India, commenced its commercial journey on December 31, 2023. Ticket prices range from Rs. 1220.00 for AC Chair Car to Rs. 2210.00 for Executive Chair Car, with Tatkal options available at higher rates.

Eager to experience this new service, I, along with Dr. S S Karanth, his wife Smt Kusuma Karanth, my wife Dr. Shreemathi S Mayya, and my co-brother Sri Gopikrishna Bhat and his wife Smt. Saraswathi Bhat, embarked on this journey from Udupi to Madgaon. The Executive Coach, with its welcoming staff, comfortable seating, and amenities like newspapers and high tea, offered a luxurious experience, complemented by the lush green views outside.

Upon reaching Madgaon, we planned to visit the Birla Radha Krishna Temple but learned it opened at 3 pm. Instead, we first visited the Naval Aviation Museum in Goa, inaugurated in 1998. This unique museum, the only one of its kind in Asia, showcases a rich array of aircraft and naval equipment. Its outdoor gallery displays 13 aircraft, while the interior, designed like the INS Viraat, features various galleries, a Jet cockpit simulator, and a 'Shradhanjali' granite slab honoring Naval Pilots.

Later, we visited the Birla Radha Krishna Temple, a serene sanctuary blending traditional Indian architecture with modern elements. The temple, set amidst Goa's lush greenery, is not just a place of worship but a cultural hub, attracting devotees and art enthusiasts alike.

A small video - click the video below: 

After a fulfilling day, we met my relative Mr. Rathnakar Rao, a respected pharmacy proprietor and yoga teacher. We concluded our visit with coffee at Madgaon Railway Station and purchased Bibinka to share with our laughing club members.

Our return journey on the Vande Bharat Express was equally pleasant, marking the end of a memorable and satisfying trip. This experience on the Vande Bharat Express, from Mangalore to Goa and back, was not just a journey but a testament to the progress and luxury now available in Indian rail travel.