The Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express is a step closer to becoming operational, with electrification work nearing completion and plans underway for major infrastructure upgrades. This project aims to transform travel between the two cities, enhancing speed, comfort, and regional connectivity. The route’s development will benefit key districts across Karnataka, positioning the state as a hub for next-generation rail travel.
Electrification of the Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat route has progressed significantly, with 22 kilometres already completed and the remaining 33 kilometres under way. Once complete, the route will serve commuters across Bengaluru, Tumakuru, Hassan, and Mangaluru districts. Authorities are accelerating efforts to ensure the route becomes fully operational within this year, supporting faster and more efficient movement between Karnataka’s commercial and coastal hubs.
The railway stretch between Hassan and Mangaluru is considered one of the most complex, featuring 57 tunnels and 700 bridges. To meet future travel demands, a survey has been conducted for doubling the existing line. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) will soon be prepared, with an estimated budget of ₹50,000 crore for execution. Once tendered, this major initiative will significantly boost the region’s transport infrastructure.
Simultaneously, work on connected routes is progressing swiftly. The 68-kilometre stretch of the Kadur–Chikkamagaluru–Belur line is currently under construction, with updates suggesting imminent completion. Meanwhile, officials have been instructed to acquire land for the Belur–Hassan section by July 20. These links will serve as crucial feeders to the Vande Bharat corridor, ensuring broader regional access and unlocking economic potential in smaller towns along the alignment.
Currently, Karnataka already benefits from ten operational Vande Bharat Express routes. The upcoming Bengaluru–Mangaluru service will mark the eleventh, improving intercity travel across the state. Other key routes include Bengaluru-Dharwad, Mangaluru-Madgaon, and Mysuru-Chennai. The project underlines the state’s commitment to modernising its transport network through high-speed rail, catering to growing commuter demand while easing congestion on road corridors.
The upcoming Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express route is poised to redefine intercity travel in Karnataka. With substantial electrification completed and DPR preparations under way for long-term infrastructure upgrades, the project reflects a strategic vision for seamless mobility. As land acquisition and construction proceed, the high-speed service is set to offer faster, safer, and more sustainable travel, promising transformative benefits for both passengers and regional economies.
