Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Dec 26: In a significant development, the semi high-speed Vande Bharat Express train conducted its trial run, reaching the Central railway station in the city on Monday evening. The official flag-off ceremony took place on Tuesday morning at 8:30 am, with the presence of notable figures including MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, MLA Vedavyas Kamath, former mayor Divakar Pandeshwar, and railway officials.
Departing from the Central railway station, the train embarked on its journey to Madgaon railway station in Goa, with an estimated arrival time of around 1:15 pm. Following a brief stop in Madgaon, the Vande Bharat Express is scheduled to reach Mangaluru at 6:30 pm on the same day.
The Southern Railway aims to commence regular operations of the Vande Bharat Express between Mangaluru Central and Madgaon starting December 30. While no official announcement has been released by the railway board, sources indicate the possibility of Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the new platforms at Mangaluru railway station along with six Vande Bharat Express trains, including the Mangaluru-Madgaon route.