After years of demand from commuters and travellers in Coastal Karnataka, a major upgrade to train connectivity between Bengaluru and Mangaluru is finally on the horizon. The much awaited Vande Bharat Express is expected to begin operations on this crucial route soon, promising to dramatically cut travel time and improve comfort for passengers moving between the state capital and the coast.
The announcement has generated excitement across Karnataka, especially among frequent travellers who currently spend nearly half a day on the journey through the Western Ghats.
Travel Time to Drop Sharply
At present, most express and mail trains take around 9 to 10 hours to travel between Bengaluru and Mangaluru, depending on halts and terrain conditions. With
the introduction of the Vande Bharat Express, the same journey is expected to be completed in about 5 hours.
This reduction in travel time is being seen as a game changer for both business and leisure travellers. Faster journeys could make same day return trips more feasible and reduce dependence on road travel through the ghat section.
Route and Districts That Will Benefit
The proposed Vande Bharat service is expected to benefit several key districts along the route. Apart from Bengaluru and Mangaluru, improved connectivity will extend to Tumakuru and Hassan, both of which lie along the railway corridor.
The service is also expected to be particularly useful for devotees travelling to major pilgrimage centres in Coastal Karnataka, offering a faster and more comfortable option compared to existing train services.
Ghat Section Electrification Nears Completion
The launch of the Vande Bharat Express is linked to the completion of electrification work in the challenging ghat section between Sakaleshpura and Subrahmanya Road. This stretch, covering about 55 km, has long been a bottleneck for faster rail services due to difficult terrain and engineering constraints.
According to Union Minister of State for Railways V Somanna, electrification of this section is now in its final stages. Once the work is completed, it will allow electric trains like Vande Bharat to operate seamlessly through the Western Ghats, paving the way for higher speeds and improved reliability.
Environmental and Operational Advantages
As an electric semi high speed train, the Vande Bharat Express is expected to offer environmental benefits alongside speed. Officials point out that electric traction helps reduce fuel consumption and lowers air pollution compared to diesel powered services, aligning with broader goals of greener transport.
The modern trainsets are also designed to offer smoother rides, improved safety systems, and better onboard amenities, making long distance travel more comfortable for passengers.
Boost for Tourism and Business
Improved rail connectivity between Bengaluru and Mangaluru is expected to provide a major boost to tourism, especially to coastal destinations that attract visitors throughout the year. Shorter travel times could encourage more weekend trips and increase tourist footfall in the region.
Business travellers are also expected to benefit, with faster movement of people supporting stronger commercial links between the coastal belt and the state capital. Officials believe the service could play a role in improving overall economic exchange between the regions.
Big Push for Railway Infrastructure
The Vande Bharat project is part of a larger push to upgrade railway infrastructure across Karnataka. The central government has allocated around Rs 50,000 crore for railway development in these sectors, covering electrification, track upgrades, and introduction of modern trains.
Minister V Somanna confirmed the progress of the project through a post on X, stating that a long-standing demand of the people of the Mangaluru region is close to being fulfilled.
What Comes Next
While an official launch date is yet to be announced, railway officials indicate that services could begin soon after the electrification work is formally completed. Once operational, the Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express is expected to redefine rail travel between the coast and the capital, offering speed, comfort, and efficiency on one of Karnataka’s most important routes.
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