New Delhi, Nov. 13 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated Vande Bharat chair car services connecting Bengaluru, Mangaluru and Margao, significantly reducing travel time between Bengaluru and Goa to approximately 13 hours and 20 minutes. The Yesvantpur-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express services will become operational from November 15.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar described the chair car services as a 'wonderful' opportunity to boost tourism.

"This represents a major boost to the economy by significantly reducing our dependency on diesel fuel... By connecting Bengaluru directly to the premier tourism destination of Goa while passing through Bengaluru, this new service is a wonderful addition ...