The Ministry of Railways is reportedly planning to introduce a new Vande Bharat Express train in Karnataka. The semi-high-speed train will be maintained and operated by the South Western Railway (SWR) zone and is expected to enhance regional connectivity and boost the state’s economy.
Existing Vande Bharat Services in Karnataka
Currently, Karnataka has 22 Vande Bharat trains (11 pairs) serving various stations across the state. About 14 of these services either originate from or terminate in the Bengaluru region, providing extensive coverage for passengers throughout Karnataka.
Route and Extension Plans
The new train will run on the Bengaluru–Mangaluru route, according to Indian Railways. Notably, the service will be extended beyond Mangaluru to Karwar, covering the scenic coastal belt of Karnataka. This extension aims to benefit tourists, students, and business travelers along the coastline.
Reduced Travel Time and Infrastructure Investments
The new Vande Bharat Express is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Bengaluru and Mangaluru. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the train will launch after electrification and safety certifications are complete. He also highlighted ongoing infrastructure upgrades in Karnataka, supported by a record allocation of Rs 7,748 crore for the state’s railway sector.
Features of the New Train
The Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat will include modern features common to recently commissioned Vande Bharat trains, such as centrally controlled automatic plug doors, fully sealed wider gangways, emergency alarm push buttons, and talk-back units in all coaches. CCTV cameras will be installed for passenger safety, and specially designed lavatories will be available for Divyangjan passengers. The train will also feature a Coach Condition Monitoring System (CCMS) with remote monitoring for enhanced operational efficiency.
