Karnataka is set to welcome its 11th Vande Bharat Express, which will connect Bengaluru and Belagavi.
Unlike previous reports, which speculated that the new service would extend the Bengaluru-Dharwad-Bengaluru Vande Bharat, the Indian Railways has instead chosen to launch a brand-new service with a dedicated rake specifically for the South Western Railway (SWR) zone. The new Vande Bharat service will provide a much-needed premium travel option for passengers commuting between Bengaluru and Belagavi, catering to growing demand for faster and more comfortable rail travel. Initially, the service will operate with an eight-coach trainset, with potential for more coaches to be added depending on passenger demand. This move signifies a shift from the earlier plan to extend the Dharwad service, which was met with considerable opposition from local politicians and residents who voiced concerns about the potential inconvenience to passengers traveling between the twin cities.
The launch of the new service is expected to enhance connectivity, reducing the travel time significantly. During trial runs conducted in late 2023, the service demonstrated impressive speed and efficiency. Covering the 610.6-km distance between the two cities in just under eight hours, it is nearly two hours faster than the current fastest service on the route. The train will make stops at key stations, including Londa, Dharwad, Hubballi, Haveri, Davangere, Tumakuru, and Yeshwantpur, before reaching its destination in Bengaluru. According to official sources, the Vande Bharat Express will operate in both directions, with the train departing Belagavi in the morning and reaching Bengaluru in the afternoon. The return journey will begin in the afternoon and conclude late at night, offering passengers a convenient travel window that caters to both business and leisure travellers. The primary maintenance of the train will take place in Belagavi, ensuring quick turnaround times for the trainset.
The Railway Board is expected to soon announce the commercial launch date, along with fare details. It is anticipated that the Chair Car fare will be approximately Rs 1,500, while the Executive Class will be priced at Rs 2,500, offering passengers a choice of affordable and premium travel options. Currently, Karnataka is home to 10 Vande Bharat trains, with services connecting Bengaluru to cities like Dharwad, Kalaburagi, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, and Madurai. Additionally, there are two services from Mysuru to Chennai and two from Mangaluru. The new Belagavi service will further strengthen Karnataka’s robust rail network, contributing to the state’s efforts towards improving its transportation infrastructure and providing sustainable travel options for citizens.
The Vande Bharat Express service marks a significant milestone for the Indian Railways, aligning with its broader goals of modernising the rail infrastructure and making it more eco-friendly and efficient. The introduction of this high-speed service is part of a larger effort to provide an environmentally sustainable mode of transport, as trains are more energy-efficient and produce lower carbon emissions compared to road or air travel. As Karnataka continues to expand its Vande Bharat network, the state is taking steps to embrace cleaner, greener alternatives in transport, contributing to the development of smart, sustainable cities in line with national climate goals.
Also Read :Vande Bharat Service Boosts Connectivity Between Patna and Dhanbad
