Vande Bharat train on track for Bengaluru-Mangaluru route, says minister

The completion of electrification work on the ghat section paves the way for a new Vande Bharat Express service between Bengaluru and Mangaluru.

Published on: Dec 31, 2025, 15:11:55 IST

By HT News Desk

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Bengaluru commuters heading to the coast may soon enjoy a faster and far more comfortable rail journey, with a Vande Bharat Express likely to connect the city to Mangaluru in the near future.

The long-awaited service between Bengaluru and Mangaluru aims to enhance travel for business and leisure. (HT File Photo)

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Union Minister of State for Railways V Somanna has hinted that the much-awaited semi-high-speed train service is finally on track, raising hopes among travellers who regularly commute between Bengaluru and the coastal hub. He confirmed that the proposed Vande Bharat service is planned on the Bengaluru-Mangaluru route, a long-pending demand for both business and leisure travellers from the state capital.

Taking to social media late Monday night, Somanna said the wait was almost over for the Mangaluru region, saying that the iconic Vande Bharat trains could soon be seen running through Karnataka’s scenic Western Ghats. “The time is near when the Vande Bharat train, which has been a long-standing demand of the people of the Mangalore region, will start running,” he posted.

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A key development clearing the path for the new service is the completion of electrification work on the challenging 55-km ghat section between Sakaleshpura and Subrahmanya Road, reported news agency PTI.

Calling it a major infrastructure milestone, Somanna said the electrification enables full electric traction on the route, making train operations cleaner, quicker, and more energy-efficient. The upgrade also strengthens the rail network between Bengaluru and coastal Karnataka.

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Interestingly, the minister’s announcement came in response to a social media post by former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai, who had once again flagged the long-standing demand for a Vande Bharat train between Bengaluru and Mangaluru.

(With inputs from PTI)

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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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