Updated: June 19, 2025
Indian Railways heralds a new era of cross‑regional connectivity today with the inauguration of its first-ever direct train linking Bengaluru, Karnataka, and Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. Operated as Train No. 06597/06598 (Yeshwantpur–Rishikesh Express Special), this service departs Yeshwantpur on Wednesdays and Saturdays, reducing what was once a multi-leg journey into a single smooth ride economictimes.indiatimes.comtimesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Key Highlights
- Inaugural Run: June 19, 2025, at 7:00 AM from Yeshwantpur station navbharattimes.indiatimes.com
- Train Numbers: 06597 (outbound) / 06598 (return)
- Frequency: Wednesdays & Saturdays (June 19, 26; July 3 for outbound; return on June 21, 28; July 5) navbharattimes.indiatimes.com
- Journey Time: Approximately 27 hours 20 minutes (arriving Rishikesh at 10:20 AM next day)
- Classes Available: AC First Class, AC 2‑Tier, AC 3‑Tier, Sleeper, General
- Amenities: E‑catering, onboard pantry, charging points, bio‑toilets
Route & Schedule
| Station | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|
| Yeshwantpur (YPR) | — | 07:00 AM |
| Nagpur Junction | 18:10 PM | 18:15 PM |
| Bhopal Junction | 22:40 PM | 22:45 PM |
| Agra Cantt | 05:20 AM | 05:25 AM |
| Haridwar Junction | 08:30 AM | 08:35 AM |
| Rishikesh (YNRK) | 10:20 AM | — |
Note: Return service (06598) departs Rishikesh at 5:55 PM, arriving Yeshwantpur at 7:45 PM next evening. navbharattimes.indiatimes.com
Benefits for Travellers
- Seamless Connectivity: Eliminates transfers in New Delhi or Lucknow, saving up to 6 hours of wait time.
- Pilgrimage & Tourism: Direct link to the “Yoga Capital of the World” boosts pilgrim footfall and adventure tourism in Uttarakhand.
- Economic Uplift: Improved passenger flow is expected to energize small businesses at intermediate stations.
Expert Insights
“This direct service is a testament to Indian Railways’ commitment to pan‑India connectivity,” says Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Minister of Railways, Government of India. “[The] Yeshwantpur–Rishikesh Express Special will not only serve pilgrims but also foster cultural and economic ties between South and North India.”
Profile ›
Dr. Anjali Sharma, Associate Professor of Transportation Engineering at IIT Delhi, adds,
“By streamlining operations and leveraging LHB (‘Linke Hofmann Busch’) rolling stock, Indian Railways is improving both speed and safety on long-haul routes.”
IIT Delhi Faculty Profile ›
Daily Digest
| Date | Update |
|---|---|
| June 19 | Service inaugurated; all tickets for initial runs sold out. |
| June 21 | Return journey commences; feedback surveys issued onboard. |
(Published weekly every Saturday)
Fact‑Check
- Is this a permanent service?
– Initially flagged as a “Special” summer train; review after three months based on occupancy economictimes.indiatimes.com. - Will it be extended beyond July?
– Indian Railways will announce extensions by August 2025 after analysing passenger demand.
