Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy has formally requested the introduction of a high-speed Vande Bharat Express train service connecting Bengaluru with Madgaon in Goa via the scenic coastal Karnataka route. The appeal was made in a letter to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday, highlighting a persistent public demand and recent infrastructural upgrades that make the service feasible.
Long-Standing Public Demand Meets Operational Readiness
In his communication, Kumaraswamy emphasized that the desire for better, faster rail links between Karnataka's capital and its coastal belt, extending to Goa, has been a long-standing public aspiration. He pointed to a key development that now supports this demand: the successful electrification of the challenging ghat section on this corridor.
"With the successful completion of electrification across the ghat section, the route is now operationally well-positioned for the introduction of a Vande Bharat Express service," Kumaraswamy wrote. This upgrade is seen as a critical enabler for running faster, more efficient trains on the picturesque yet topographically difficult route.
A Corridor Serving Diverse Passengers
The proposed train would travel along the Bengaluru-Hassan-Mangaluru Junction-Udupi-Karwar corridor. This route is not just a tourist pathway but a vital lifeline for a wide variety of passengers. Kumaraswamy noted that it caters to:
- Tourists seeking the beaches of Goa and Karnataka.
- Pilgrims visiting numerous coastal temples.
- Students and professionals traveling for education and work.
The service promises to significantly cut travel time while enhancing comfort and reliability for all these groups.
Boosting Economic and Regional Connectivity
The former Chief Minister outlined broader benefits of the proposed Vande Bharat service. It would create a stronger link between Bengaluru, India's IT capital, and major commercial, port, and tourism hubs along the western coast. This improved connectivity is expected to:
- Meet the rising passenger demand on this popular route.
- Give a substantial boost to tourism in both states.
- Promote regional economic activity and trade.
- Enhance inter-state connectivity in line with the central government's vision for modernizing Indian Railways.
Kumaraswamy has urged Minister Vaishnaw to direct the South Western Railway zone to examine the proposal's feasibility and take necessary action. The push for this train service is framed as a step that aligns with national goals for infrastructure development and regional integration.
