New Delhi
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy has urged Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to introduce a Vande Bharat Express service linking Bengaluru with Karnataka’s coastal districts to improve connectivity and boost regional development.
In a letter to the Railway Minister, Kumaraswamy proposed a high-speed Vande Bharat train operating from Bengaluru via Hassan, Mangaluru Junction, Udupi and Karwar, extending up to Madgaon in Goa. He said such a service would significantly benefit residents of the coastal region and align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of modern, efficient rail travel.
Kumaraswamy pointed out that electrification work along this route, including the Western Ghats section, has been successfully completed, making the corridor fully ready for fast train operations. He noted that the proposed service would greatly enhance tourism, ease travel for pilgrims visiting coastal religious centres, and benefit students and professionals who frequently commute along this route.
Highlighting Bengaluru’s status as India’s IT capital and Mangaluru’s importance as a port city, Kumaraswamy said direct and rapid rail connectivity between Bengaluru, coastal Karnataka’s commercial hubs, ports, tourist destinations and Goa would further energise economic activity. He added that the service would meet growing passenger demand, promote tourism, create employment opportunities and strengthen inter-state rail connectivity.
