Goa, Nov. 8 -- While the upcoming introduction of the Yeshwantpur-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express promises a fresh direct rail link between Karnataka and Goa, it is set to trigger widespread timetable disruptions across the region. The proposed semi-high-speed service could alter the schedules of 13 existing trains and disrupt the travel plans of nearly 15,000 daily passengers across the Western Ghats corridor.

Approved by the Railway Board on October 30, the 670-km route will connect Yeshwantpur in Bengaluru to Madgaon in Goa, traversing scenic regions including Hassan, Sakleshpur, Mangaluru Junction, Udupi, Murdeshwar, and Karwar. However, accommodating the new 1,100-capacity express requires navigating severe capacity constraints, partic...