Daijiwprld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Dec 25: In a significant push to improve rail connectivity between the coastal and capital regions of Karnataka, Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has written to union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, urging the introduction of Vande Bharat Express services between Mangaluru and Bengaluru.

In his letter, Gundu Rao highlighted that Mangaluru is a rapidly developing city with a strong presence of educational institutions, healthcare facilities and industrial establishments, placing it among the fastest-growing urban centres in the state after Bengaluru. He pointed out that the city plays a crucial role in Karnataka’s economic and educational landscape.

Emphasising the growing travel demand, the minister noted that thousands of passengers commute daily between Mangaluru and Bengaluru for education, employment, healthcare and business purposes.

“The introduction of Vande Bharat trains on this route would significantly ease travel and act as a catalyst for industrial and economic growth,” he stated.

Citing these factors, Gundu Rao, on behalf of the state government, has appealed to the Centre to introduce three Vande Bharat Express trains per day on the Mangaluru–Bengaluru route. He expressed confidence that enhanced high-speed rail connectivity would benefit commuters and further strengthen the region’s development trajectory.