Belagavi gets its own Vande Bharat Express from Bengaluru; Not an extension of Dharwad route

Dispelling earlier speculation, the new train will not be an extension of the existing Bengaluru–Hubballi–Dharwad Vande Bharat service.

Published on: May 10, 2025, 13:04:19 IST

By HT News Desk

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In a major boost to rail connectivity between north Karnataka and Bengaluru, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has approved the launch of a new Vande Bharat Express between Belagavi and Bengaluru. Dispelling earlier speculation, the new train will not be an extension of the existing Bengaluru–Hubballi–Dharwad Vande Bharat service.

A new Vande Bharat Express will be launched between Bengaluru and Belagavi. (Sanchit Khanna/Hindustan Times)

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Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar confirmed the development, highlighting that the demand for a high-speed rail link from Belagavi to the state capital has finally been addressed. For months, there were reports suggesting that the existing Vande Bharat running between Bengaluru and Dharwad might be extended to Belagavi. However, due to concerns over inconvenient timings, a dedicated train was sanctioned instead.

Taking to social media platform X, Shettar shared the update, calling it a "matter of great joy" and noting that Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and V. Somanna were actively involved in pushing for this proposal through multiple rounds of discussions with the Railway Ministry.

Exact timings and date of launch yet to be announced

According to the tentative schedule, the train will start from Belagavi early in the morning and reach Bengaluru by midday. It will then depart from Bengaluru in the afternoon and return to Belagavi by night — a timetable expected to benefit daily commuters, students, professionals, and business travellers. The excat timings are yet to be announced.

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This marks the 11th Vande Bharat Express to operate in Karnataka, and with this addition, Bengaluru will now be connected by Vande Bharat services to seven major cities: Mysuru, Chennai, Ernakulam, Hyderabad, Dharwad, Coimbatore, and Belagavi.

The move is expected to significantly reduce travel time and enhance comfort for passengers commuting between north Karnataka and the state’s capital.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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