Railway Expansion: Bengaluru-Dharwad Vande Bharat Train Now to run up to Belagavi

The expansion of the Vande Bharat Express in Karnataka will now connect Bengaluru to Belagavi, following approval by the railway board. Siddaramaiah urged this extension, aiming to improve connectivity. The extended route is set to reduce travel time significantly between these cities.

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In a significant development, the Vande Bharat Express, linking Bengaluru to Hubballi and Dharwad, is set to extend its route to encompass Belagavi. This expansion comes following a proposal by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, which received approval from the railway board. Scheduled to be implemented by November's end, the extension aims to bolster railway connectivity within Karnataka.

Last October, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wrote to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, advocating for the extension of the semi-high-speed Bengaluru-Dharwad Vande Bharat Express to Belagavi. This plea was a response to demands from Belagavi's residents, emphasizing the necessity of connecting the city through this train service.

The revised schedule of the Vande Bharat Express outlines its departure from KSR Railway Station at approximately 5:45 am, arriving in Belagavi by 1:30 pm. The return journey from Belagavi is scheduled for 2:00 pm, reaching KSR Bengaluru by 10:10 pm.

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Anticipated to cover a distance of over 600 km in about 7 hours and 45 minutes, this extension will notably reduce travel time between these pivotal cities by about two hours. Specifically, the Bengaluru-Dharwad route will be covered within 5 hours and 35 minutes, with a commercial stoppage at Londa.

Siddaramaiah highlighted the economic significance of Belagavi, citing its thriving industries and tourist attractions. Extending the Vande Bharat Express to Belagavi, he emphasized, would significantly enhance connectivity between Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra, benefiting industries, students, and tourists alike.