In a major boost to Karnataka’s rail connectivity, Railway Minister V. Somanna has announced that a Vande Bharat Express will soon operate between Bengaluru and Shivamogga, located in the scenic Malenadu region.
This upcoming service is expected to significantly improve travel for commuters, students, and tourists between southern and central Karnataka.
High-Speed Rail for Shivamogga
According to Bengaluru Central MP P.C. Mohan, the Bengaluru-Shivamogga Vande Bharat Express will be the 12th Vande Bharat train to serve Karnataka. Though official details like launch date, timetable, and halts are yet to be confirmed, the train is expected to begin operations soon.
Shivamogga, situated about 300 km from Bengaluru, has long demanded better connectivity. The launch of this high-speed rail will fulfill a key request from residents and is expected to make travel between the two cities faster, more efficient, and more comfortable.
Boost for Karnataka’s Rail Network
This development comes after the recent approval of the Chikkamagaluru-Tirupati train service, also announced by Minister Somanna. Together, these new routes are part of an effort to expand Karnataka’s railway network across regions.
Karnataka already boasts several Vande Bharat routes, including:
- Bengaluru-Dharwad
- Bengaluru-Kalaburagi
- Chennai-Bengaluru-Mysuru
- Pune-Hubballi
- Coimbatore-Bengaluru
- Ernakulam-bound trains via Karnataka
Also, another Vande Bharat train for the Bengaluru-Belagavi route has recently been announced.
Bengaluru-Mangaluru Route Progress
Earlier, it was reported that 22 kilometres of the necessary electrification work for the Vande Bharat train on this route is complete. The remaining 33 kilometres are still under progress. This development will benefit residents across four districts: Bengaluru, Tumakuru, Hassan, and Mangaluru.
The railway line between Hassan and Mangaluru features 57 tunnels and 700 bridges. A survey for doubling this line has been conducted. An estimated budget of ₹50,000 crore is required for this project. Minister Somanna mentioned that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be prepared and tenders will be invited soon.
Shivamogga’s Growing Connectivity
With the Shivamogga Airport inaugurated in 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and now a Vande Bharat Express on the horizon, the region is witnessing rapid infrastructure growth. The new train service is expected to benefit not only daily travelers but also help boost tourism and business in the Western Ghats region.
The upcoming Bengaluru-Shivamogga Vande Bharat Express represents a significant leap in Karnataka’s push for better, faster, and more accessible transportation. As the state continues to strengthen its rail network, passengers across Karnataka can look forward to improved connectivity and travel comfort.