Prime Minister flags off the new Bengaluru–Belagavi Vande Bharat Express, marking a milestone in Karnataka’s rail connectivity (ANI)
Bangalore–Belagavi route of Vande Bharat Express, India's leading railway service, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Starting from August 11, this semi-high-speed corridor will link Karnataka's capital to its northern part, providing better accessibility with reduced travel time. This distance is about 611 km, operated by Southwestern Railway, and all these attributes make it the fastest option in this stretch.
The train will be the quickest on the trip, covering 611 km in 8 hours and 20 minutes. With the exception of Wednesdays, it will run six days a week.
This new train is mainly scheduled to run six days in a week except on Wednesdays. Departing from Belagavi at 5:20 AM, it will reach Bengaluru at 1:50 PM. The return leg starts from Bengaluru at 2:20 PM and reaches Belagavi at 10:40 PM. The train is going to stop at very important cities like Yesvantpur, Tumakuru, Davangere, Haveri, Hubballi and Dharwad-enabling vital connectivity to numerous districts route.
Four motor cars, one trailer car, one executive class trailer car, and two driving trailer cars will be on the eight-coach rake.
Travel comfort is well catered to starting at ₹1,575 for an AC Chair Car, while Executive Chair Car fares begin at ₹2,905 inclusive of catering. On return routes, fares slightly adjust but maintain premium services. Promising features like modern airline-style seating, entertainment systems and onboard Wi-Fi and food service will transform the travel experience.
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This is not just the beginning of a new rail; it will also enhance the two-sided commitment of regional integration and smooth mobility. Closer connectivity of urban and rural hubs will potentially catalyze education, trade, and health access. The inclusion of this corridor will, therefore, take forward the growing Vande Bharat network of Indian Railways, which is being set up to fast-track readying regions for efficient, reliable services.
The Bengaluru–Belagavi Vande Bharat Express is the Indian commitment towards the new modern, inclusive infrastructure. Faster, smarter, and comfortable travel will keep closing regional gaps over investments in rail innovation.
The Chennai–Mysuru route via Bengaluru was the first route added to Karnataka's Vande Bharat network in 2022, and this is the most recent addition. Indian Railways' emphasis on cutting travel times and enhancing passenger comfort throughout the state is reflected in the expansion.
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