Indian Railways plans to introduce a new Vande Bharat train service connecting Mumbai directly to Mangaluru, streamlining the existing Mumbai-Goa and Mangaluru-Goa routes. The new service aims to reduce the travel time to 12 hours. Currently, the Mumbai-Goa Vande Bharat departs at 5:25 am, reching Goa at 1:10 pm. Under the new plan, the train will continue to Mangaluru, arriving at 6:00 pm. Similarly, the Mangaluru-Goa service, which departs at 8:30 am, will extend its route to Mumbai, reaching by 9:00 pm.
Challenges ahead: Evening congestion at Mumbai stations
While the new service promises faster travel, concerns have been raised regarding potential congestion at Mumbai stations during evening hours. Multiple long-distance trains arriving simultaneously may create scheduling difficulties. Additionally, the occupancy rate of the Mumbai-Goa Vande Bharat has declined from 90% to around 70%.
The Growing popularity of Vande Bharat Express
Since its debut in 2019, Vande Bharat Express has gained popularity for its speed and modern amenities. With features like Wi-Fi, entertainment screens, and large windows, the Vande Bharat enhances the travel experience. Currently operating on over 40 routes across India, the Vande Bharat Express continues to expand its network, serving festive and seasonal demands with special trains and route extensions.
