Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Wednesday announced that the long-awaited superfast train service connecting Bengaluru and Mumbai is expected to be launched by the end of June
this year. The announcement came after Pralhad Joshi held discussions with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw regarding several railway infrastructure projects and connectivity demands related to Karnataka.
According to Pralhad Joshi, the Railway Minister assured him that the proposed train service would begin operations within the next few weeks, offering faster and more efficient rail connectivity between Karnataka and Maharashtra.
Train To Pass Through Key Karnataka Cities
Pralhad Joshi stated that the new superfast train will operate through the central Karnataka corridor, benefiting several important districts and urban centres across the state.
The proposed route is expected to pass through:
- Tumakuru
- Davanagere
- Haveri
- Hubballi-Dharwad
- Belagavi
The service is likely to provide a major connectivity boost for passengers travelling between northern and southern Karnataka while also improving direct rail access to Mumbai.
According to a report in Deccan Herald, at present, many passengers travelling between Bengaluru and Mumbai rely on lengthy rail journeys or air travel. The new service is expected to reduce travel inconvenience and offer a faster alternative for business travellers, students, tourists, and daily commuters.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Upgrade Under Consideration
In another significant development, Pralhad Joshi revealed that Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had also responded positively to the proposal of upgrading the upcoming superfast train into a Vande Bharat Express Sleeper service in the near future. If implemented, the move would bring modern sleeper-class facilities, enhanced passenger comfort, and improved travel speed to the Bengaluru-Mumbai route.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are part of the Indian Railways’ broader modernisation programme aimed at introducing next-generation long-distance rail services equipped with advanced amenities and upgraded onboard facilities.
Officials believe such an upgrade could significantly improve overnight travel between the two major metropolitan cities.
Redevelopment Of Hubballi Railway Station Discussed
During the meeting, Pralhad Joshi also raised the issue of redeveloping the railway station in Hubballi to provide improved infrastructure and modern passenger amenities. The proposed redevelopment plans reportedly include upgraded waiting areas, better passenger facilities, improved station access, and modernised infrastructure aimed at handling growing passenger traffic in the region.
Hubballi-Dharwad remains one of Karnataka’s major commercial and transportation hubs, making railway expansion and station modernisation an important demand for local residents and businesses.
Demand Raised For New Railway Line Survey
Apart from the new train service, Pralhad Joshi also urged the Railway Ministry to conduct a fresh survey for the proposed Lokapur-Savadatti-Dharwad railway line project.
The project has long been viewed as important for improving regional rail connectivity and supporting economic activity across parts of northern Karnataka. According to Pralhad Joshi, the Railway Minister gave a positive response to the proposal and assured that the matter would be examined further.
Sharing details of the meeting on social media platform X, Pralhad Joshi said the announcements and proposed projects would greatly strengthen railway connectivity between Bengaluru and Mumbai while also contributing to infrastructure growth in the Hubballi-Dharwad region. He stated that improved rail services and upgraded infrastructure would benefit passengers, support regional development, and enhance transport accessibility across Karnataka.
ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನಿಂದ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಮಧ್ಯಭಾಗವಾದ ತುಮಕೂರು, ದಾವಣಗೆರೆ, ಹಾವೇರಿ, ಹುಬ್ಬಳ್ಳಿ-ಧಾರವಾಡ ಮತ್ತು ಬೆಳಗಾವಿ ಮಾರ್ಗದ ಮೂಲಕ ವಾಣಿಜ್ಯ ನಗರಿ ಮುಂಬೈಗೆ ತೆರಳಲು ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು-ಮುಂಬೈ ಸೂಪರ್ ಫಾಸ್ಟ್ ರೈಲನ್ನು ಜೂನ್ ಅಂತ್ಯದೊಳಗೆ ಆರಂಭಿಸುವುದಾಗಿ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ರೈಲ್ವೆ ಸಚಿವರಾದ ಶ್ರೀ ಅಶ್ವಿನಿ ವೈಷ್ಣವ್ @AshwiniVaishnaw ರವರು ಇಂದು ಮಾಹಿತಿಯನ್ನು… pic.twitter.com/9R33X4WgSQ
— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) May 6, 2026
The proposed superfast train is expected to be closely watched by passengers and railway enthusiasts, particularly as demand for faster intercity rail connectivity continues to rise across India.
