VB Express passengers face steep fare premium on Bengaluru-Goa route

Travellers on the VB Express service connecting Bengaluru, Mangaluru and Goa are encountering significantly higher fares compared to equivalent distances covered on other routes operated by the same operator, according to fare analysis.

The fare discrepancy of approximately ₹200 arises from how distances are calculated on two particularly challenging segments of the journey. On the Konkan Railway network between Thokur and Madgaon, the distance calculation is inflated by 40 per cent above the actual route length, while the 55-kilometre Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road Ghat section sees distance calculations doubled at 100 per cent above the actual distance traversed.

These sections traverse some of the Western Ghats' most difficult terrain, characterised by steep gradients, numerous curves and multiple crossings. The operators attribute the inflated distance calculations to the additional time and operational challenges required to navigate these segments safely, a practice common among transport services operating through mountainous regions.

Passengers booking the Bengaluru-Mangaluru-Goa route should factor in the fare premium when planning intercity travel, though the service continues to offer connectivity through the scenic coastal corridor. Industry observers note that fare structures on challenging terrain segments warrant greater transparency to help consumers make informed travel choices.