Bengaluru commuters travelling to coastal Karnataka may soon get a faster and far more comfortable rail option, with a Vande Bharat Express likely to be introduced on the Bengaluru-Mangaluru route in the near future.
Union Minister of State for Railways V Somanna has indicated that the long-pending demand for a semi-high-speed train connecting the state capital with the coastal hub is finally moving closer to reality. The proposed service is expected to benefit both business travellers and tourists who frequently commute between Bengaluru and Mangaluru.
Taking to social media late Monday night, Somanna said the wait for the Mangaluru region was nearing its end. “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, raising expectations of an official announcement soon.
Electrification of Ghat Section a Major Breakthrough
A crucial development enabling the new service is the completion of electrification work on the challenging 55-kilometre ghat section between Sakaleshpura and Subrahmanya Road, according to a PTI report. This stretch, which passes through the Western Ghats, has long been considered a technical bottleneck for high-speed and modern train operations.
Calling it a major infrastructure milestone, Somanna said the electrification allows full electric traction on the route. This not only makes train operations cleaner and more energy-efficient but also improves reliability and operational speed on one of Karnataka’s most demanding rail corridors.
With the electrification in place, the rail network between Bengaluru and coastal Karnataka has received a significant upgrade, clearing the path for modern rolling stock like the Vande Bharat Express.
Long-Standing Demand From Travellers
The Bengaluru-Mangaluru route has been a long-standing demand among commuters due to heavy passenger traffic and limited fast rail options. The journey currently takes several hours, with delays often caused by terrain-related constraints in the ghat section.
The introduction of a Vande Bharat train is expected to reduce travel time, improve comfort, and offer a premium alternative to existing services, especially for frequent travellers.
Interestingly, the minister’s announcement came in response to a social media post by former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai, who had once again highlighted the need for a Vande Bharat Express on the Bengaluru-Mangaluru route. Pai has been a vocal advocate for better rail connectivity between the capital and coastal Karnataka.
What Lies Ahead
While an official launch date and timetable have not yet been announced, the latest developments suggest that planning for the service is now at an advanced stage. Railways officials are expected to finalise operational details once remaining procedural approvals are completed.
If introduced, the Bengaluru-Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express would mark a major upgrade in Karnataka’s rail connectivity, offering passengers a faster, cleaner, and more modern way to travel through one of the country’s most scenic rail routes.