Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw virtually flagged off a bi-weekly direct express train connecting KSR Bengaluru and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus in Mumbai on Sunday. The event marked a significant step in enhancing rail connectivity between the two major cities.
Promoting Fuel Conservation
Ahead of the flagging-off ceremony, Minister of State for Railways V Somanna and Bengaluru Central MP P C Mohan traveled by Metro from MG Road Metro Station to Swami Vivekananda Metro Station to promote fuel conservation. During the journey, they interacted with fellow Metro commuters, spreading awareness about sustainable transportation.
Benefits for Passengers
Addressing the gathering, Somanna emphasized that the new train would greatly benefit passengers traveling on one of the busiest routes in the country. He stated that the service would further boost Karnataka's development by improving connectivity. The minister also highlighted that Karnataka currently operates 12 pairs of Vande Bharat trains, covering 14 districts across the state.
Infrastructure Developments
Somanna announced plans to establish a Vande Bharat Sleeper maintenance depot at Thanisandra at a cost of Rs 270 crore. Additionally, a chair car maintenance facility will be set up at SMVT Bengaluru with an investment of Rs 52.73 crore. These facilities are expected to support the growing fleet of Vande Bharat trains in the region.
Second Direct Service on the Route
The new Bengaluru-Mumbai train is only the second direct service on this route, apart from the Udyan Express, which began operations 30 years ago. Officials also revealed that a faster Vande Bharat overnight sleeper train on the same route would commence services soon, further enhancing travel options for passengers.
This development underscores the government's commitment to improving rail infrastructure and connectivity, catering to the increasing demand for efficient and comfortable travel between Karnataka and Maharashtra.
