Bengaluru-Mangaluru Vande Bharat Route Nears Completion

MANGALURU:

The much-awaited Bengaluru-Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express is nearing completion, with significant progress reported in electrification and infrastructure development. Minister V Somanna recently announced that 22 kilometres of the electrification work are complete, while the remaining 33 kilometres are under progress.

This new high-speed luxury train promises faster and more comfortable travel between the state capital and the coastal city. Once operational, it will become Karnataka’s 11th Vande Bharat route, joining other key services like Bengaluru-Dharwad, Mangaluru-Madgaon, Mysuru-Chennai, and Bengaluru-Hyderabad.

The project will benefit travellers and residents across four major districts—Bengaluru, Tumakuru, Hassan, and Mangaluru. The Hassan-Mangaluru section is particularly challenging, featuring 57 tunnels and 700 bridges. A survey for doubling this line has been completed, with a proposed budget of ₹50,000 crore. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared, and tenders will be floated soon.

Additionally, officials have been directed to complete land acquisition for the Belur-Hassan railway line by July 20. Meanwhile, construction of the Kadur-Chikkamagaluru-Belur route is underway over a 68-kilometre stretch and is expected to be completed shortly.

The upcoming Vande Bharat service is set to significantly improve regional connectivity and economic activity in Karnataka.