Daijiworld Media Network – Belagavi/Bengaluru
Belagavi/Bengaluru, May 12: Karnataka is set to launch its 11th Vande Bharat Express, a semi-high-speed train that will connect Bengaluru and Belagavi, significantly enhancing intra-state rail connectivity. Approved by the Ministry of Railways, the new service meets a long-standing public demand for a premium rail corridor between the two cities.
Contrary to earlier assumptions, this will not be an extension of the existing Bengaluru–Hubballi–Dharwad Vande Bharat service, but a completely new train. It is expected to benefit a wide range of passengers, including daily commuters, students, professionals, and business travellers, by improving comfort and reducing travel time across the Kittur Karnataka region.
The initiative was confirmed by Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar, who, along with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and other leaders, had urged Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to introduce a dedicated service. A trial run was conducted in November 2023, initially exploring an extension of the Dharwad route, but authorities eventually cleared a standalone service.
Expressing his appreciation, Shettar wrote on X, “I am delighted to inform that our efforts have borne fruit. A dedicated Bengaluru–Belagavi Vande Bharat Express has been approved. I thank the Hon’ble Railway Minister and the Central Government for addressing the region’s long-standing demand.”
Route and stops
The train will run daily, departing from Belagavi in the morning and returning from Bengaluru in the afternoon. It will halt at Londa, Dharwad, Hubballi, Haveri, Davangere, Tumakuru, and Yeshwantpur, covering key towns along the route to improve accessibility.
Travel time and tentative fare
While the official schedule and commercial launch date are yet to be announced, tentative fares are expected to be:
The journey will be significantly faster than existing services, offering passengers a more efficient and premium travel experience.
Maintenance and coaches
The train’s primary maintenance will be carried out in Belagavi. It will initially have eight coaches, with the possibility of expansion depending on passenger demand, according to railway sources.
Expanding Karnataka’s Vande Bharat network
With this addition, Karnataka will have 11 operational Vande Bharat Express trains—one of the highest among Indian states. The current network includes:
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Five trains originating from Bengaluru, connecting to Dharwad, Kalaburagi, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, and Madurai
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Two trains from Mysuru to Chennai via Bengaluru
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Two trains from Mangaluru, connecting to Madgaon and Thiruvananthapuram
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One train from Hubballi to Pune
The new Bengaluru–Belagavi Vande Bharat Express is expected to further boost regional connectivity by offering a long-awaited high-speed rail option for Karnataka’s northern corridor.