For many people travelling from Bengaluru towards Andhra Pradesh, the train ride to Dharmavaram has never been about distance alone. It is the slow crawl after Yelahanka, the pauses that stretch longer
than expected, and the feeling that the train could move faster but simply does not.
For families visiting relatives, students returning home, and traders moving between states, the journey has been familiar and frustrating. That could soon change. By March, rail officials say this route is set for a speed upgrade that will finally shorten the trip.
What Is Changing on the Rail Route
Railway authorities are upgrading the 161 km stretch between Yelahanka in north Bengaluru and Dharmavaram in Andhra Pradesh to support train speeds of up to 130 kmph. At present, trains on this section operate at lower speeds due to track and signalling limitations.
Once the upgrade is completed, trains running on this route will be able to maintain higher speeds for longer distances, cutting down overall travel time.
Why This Matters to Passengers
The Yelahanka to Dharmavaram section is a key link for passengers travelling from Bengaluru toward Anantapur, Kurnool, Kadapa, and other parts of Andhra Pradesh. Several long distance and high demand trains use this corridor, including premium and superfast services.
With higher permissible speeds, trains will no longer be forced to slow down unnecessarily, making journeys more predictable and comfortable for passengers who rely on this route regularly.
Which Trains Will Benefit
Railway officials say trains that already have higher speed potential will benefit the most from the upgrade. Services such as the Vande Bharat Express operating on nearby routes are expected to run closer to their designed speed on this section once the work is completed.
The improvement will also help freight movement, easing congestion and allowing better scheduling across the network.
The Yelahanka to Dharmavaram upgrade is part of a broader effort to increase train speeds on major routes connected to Bengaluru. Similar enhancements have already been completed on the Bengaluru to Jolarpettai section, while other corridors around the city are also being identified for speed improvements.
Rail officials say the focus is on upgrading existing tracks rather than introducing entirely new lines, allowing faster results with minimal disruption.
What Travellers Can Expect
For passengers, the benefit is straightforward. Shorter travel times, fewer slow stretches, and smoother journeys between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Those who make this trip frequently for work, education, or family visits could see a noticeable difference once the upgraded section becomes operational.
If the timelines hold, people of Bengaluru boarding trains toward Dharmavaram by March may finally feel the journey move at the pace it always promised.
