Karnataka Set to Receive Another Vande Bharat Express Train
Indian Railways is gearing up to introduce an additional Vande Bharat Express train for Karnataka, a move aimed at revolutionizing regional connectivity and stimulating economic growth within the state. This new semi-high-speed service will be managed and operated by the South Western Railway (SWR) zone, further solidifying the premium travel experience that Vande Bharat trains are renowned for.
Current Vande Bharat Services in Karnataka
Presently, Karnataka benefits from 22 Vande Bharat train services, comprising 11 pairs that originate and terminate across various stations in the state. Notably, 14 of these services are linked to the Bengaluru region, either starting from or concluding there, highlighting the city's pivotal role in the railway network.
New Route: Bengaluru to Mangaluru
The planned Vande Bharat Express will operate on the Bengaluru-Mangaluru route, significantly reducing travel time between these two major cities. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced this development during a press conference in Bengaluru, stating, "A new Vande Bharat service connecting Bengaluru and Mangaluru will be launched soon after the completion of electrification and safety certifications."
He emphasized that substantial infrastructure upgrades are underway in Karnataka, with a record allocation of Rs 7,748 crore dedicated to the state's railway sector, underscoring the government's commitment to enhancing transport facilities.
Features of the New Vande Bharat Train
The Bengaluru-Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express will incorporate state-of-the-art technologies and amenities, including:
- KAVACH safety system for enhanced operational security
- Jerk-free semi-permanent couplers for smoother rides
- Centrally controlled automatic plug doors and fully sealed wider gangways
- Emergency alarm push buttons and talk-back units in all coaches
- Advanced fire safety with aerosol-based detection and suppression systems
- Higher acceleration capabilities with a design speed of 180 km/h and operating speed of 160 km/h
- Driver-guard communication equipped with voice recording and crash-hardened memory
- Air conditioning units featuring UV-C lamp disinfection systems
- Improved ride comfort and CCTV surveillance in all coaches
- Special lavatories for Divyangjan passengers in driving coaches
- Coach condition monitoring system (CCMS) with remote monitoring capabilities
List of Existing Vande Bharat Trains in Karnataka
For reference, here is a complete list of Vande Bharat services currently operating in Karnataka:
- KSR Bengaluru – Dharwad Vande Bharat Express
- Kacheguda – Yesvantpur Vande Bharat Express
- Bengaluru Cantt. - Coimbatore Vande Bharat Express
- Kalaburagi - SMVT Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express
- Madurai - Bengaluru Cantt. Vande Bharat Express
- Belagavi - KSR Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express
- KSR Bengaluru - Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express
- MGR Chennai Central – Mysuru Vande Bharat Express
- Hubballi - Pune Vande Bharat Express
- Madgaon - Mangaluru Central Vande Bharat Express
- Mysuru - MGR Chennai Central Vande Bharat Express
This new addition is expected to further transform Karnataka's transportation landscape, offering passengers a faster, more comfortable, and technologically advanced travel option while boosting regional economic development.
