30% fare cut for Margao–Karwar Express to benefit workers, tourists

Panaji: Passengers travelling between Margao and Karwar could benefit from a 30% reduction in ticket fares with the launch of the Madgaon–Karwar Express service, Union minister of state for railways and jal shakti, V Somanna said while flagging off the train from Margao railway station on Thursday.

Until now, the Margao–Karwar daily service operated by Konkan Railway as a special train carried ticket prices that were around 30% higher than regular express fares. The newly introduced express service is expected to provide a more affordable and efficient travel option while strengthening rail connectivity between Goa and coastal Karnataka.

The Madgaon–Karwar Express will also provide a new rail link to Bengaluru, with the same 19-coach rake operating onward from Karwar as Panchaganga Express. Railway officials said the service is expected to promote tourism, trade, and socio-economic development across the region.

Somanna said railways remained an important pillar of Centre’s vision of Viksit Bharat. Highlighting railway development in Goa, he said that between 2024 and 2026, four new train services had been introduced and four others regularised. He also noted that three rail overbridges costing Rs 150 crore had been sanctioned.

Somanna further said that redevelopment works were under way at the Margao, Sanvordem, and Vasco railway stations, with Rs 50 crore being spent on the Vasco station alone.

PWD minister Digambar Kamat described the Margao–Karwar train as a vital transport link for the region. “The train between Margao and Karwar is a very important link. The railways has seen a total change,” Kamat said.

He added that improved rail connectivity would support the growth of tourism, commerce and employment opportunities, benefiting people on both sides of the Goa–Karnataka border.