Bengaluru–coastal Karnataka to get Vande Bharat boost: What we know

Two Vande Bharat trains will soon operate between Bengaluru and the coastal region of Karnataka, improving rail connectivity. One train will start from Bengaluru, while the other will operate from the coastal side, covering a larger area.

The Hassan–Mangaluru ghat section has been fully electrified, and safety certification tests are currently underway. Once clearances are received, the timetable for the new Vande Bharat services will be finalised.

The upcoming coastal Karnataka Vande Bharat trains will be extended up to Karwar, enhancing accessibility to the farthest coastal areas and offering faster, modern rail connectivity to both daily commuters and tourists.

Unlike other routes where a single train rake is used, two rakes will be deployed for the Bengaluru–coastal Karnataka route. This ensures wider coverage of the coastal region and reduces waiting time for passengers.

Currently, 12 Vande Bharat trains operate across Karnataka, connecting major cities and towns. The new trains on the coastal route will add to the state’s growing network of semi-high-speed rail services.

Railway projects in Karnataka have been allocated a total of Rs 7,748 crore in the Union Budget, marking a significant increase compared to previous years, ensuring accelerated development of rail infrastructure across the state.

Rail projects worth over Rs 52,900 crore are currently underway in Karnataka, including track electrification, new stations, and modernisation initiatives, aimed at improving overall efficiency, passenger safety, and travel comfort.

A high-speed rail corridor between Bengaluru and Chennai is planned, which will reduce travel time to approximately 73 minutes, providing a fast and modern alternative to road and conventional rail travel.

Plans for a Bengaluru–Hyderabad high-speed rail corridor will allow passengers to travel between the two cities in about two hours, significantly enhancing business and tourism connectivity in the region.

The Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project is advancing, with a railway technical expert appointed as managing director of KRIDE. This move ensures better planning, execution, and coordination of urban rail infrastructure in the state.