Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw officially inaugurated an express train service connecting Bengaluru and Mumbai on May 17. This initiative is viewed as a significant advancement in enhancing transport links between Karnataka and Maharashtra. The inauguration event was conducted virtually, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving regional connectivity.

During the proceedings, Vaishnaw noted that the service addresses longstanding demands from constituents in both South and North Karnataka. He mentioned the impending introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper service, which aims to further enhance travel options between these two major cities.

Infrastructure Development Initiatives

Vaishnaw emphasised the progress in railway infrastructure, highlighting a notable increase in funding that has facilitated expedited project completions across Karnataka. The Ministry of Railways is undertaking the redevelopment of 61 stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with an investment totalling Rs 2,160 crore, of which nine stations have already been completed.

Bengaluru Cantonment and Yeshwantpur stations are undergoing extensive renovations, costing Rs 485 crore and Rs 367 crore, respectively. Moreover, since 2014, approximately 1,750 km of new railway lines have been established throughout Karnataka, alongside the completion of electrification in the Hassan-Mangaluru section, with ongoing testing currently in progress.

In addition, the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project is advancing through all four designated corridors, with land acquisition completed for significant routes such as Baiyappanahalli-Chikkabanavara and Heelalige-Rajanukunte. The alignment for KSR Bengaluru-Devanahalli has received joint approval from the state government and the Railways, with geotechnical surveys concluded. The alignment for Kengeri-Whitefield was also approved recently, with survey activities set to commence shortly.

Future Railway Projects and Initiatives

Currently, Karnataka operates twelve pairs of Vande Bharat trains, with ongoing testing of the Bengaluru-Mangaluru route expected to improve coastal connectivity up to Madgaon. Furthermore, approvals have been granted for bullet train corridors connecting Bengaluru with Hyderabad and Chennai. Vaishnaw conveyed that a long-term vision aims to expand the railway network to 7,000 km, linking major urban centres such as Mumbai and Bengaluru.

During the ceremony, Union Minister of State for Railways, V Somanna, expressed his appreciation for the launch of the new Bengaluru-Mumbai express train. He indicated that this service would considerably benefit passengers travelling on one of the busiest routes, thereby further contributing to Karnataka’s overall development.

Somanna also highlighted the current operations of twelve pairs of Vande Bharat trains covering fourteen districts. He announced the establishment of a maintenance depot for Vande Bharat sleeper trains at Thanisandra, costing Rs 270 crore, alongside a chair car maintenance facility at SMVT Bengaluru with an expenditure of Rs 52.73 crore. Additional projects include the doubling of the Baiyappanahalli-Hosur route at Rs 1,116 crore and the quadruplication of railway lines around Bengaluru, costing Rs 1,347 crore.

Automatic signalling systems are being introduced across important railway sections at a cumulative cost of Rs 6,396 crore. Somanna stated that Karnataka has received a historical budget allocation of Rs 7,748 crore for railway developments. Since 2014, the state has successfully developed approximately 3,840 km of railway lines and electrified about 3,742 km, aiming for near-total electrification by the year’s end. He also mentioned a significant increase in railway overbridges and underbridges, which have risen from approximately 150 to 707, with plans for further expansions in the coming years.

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