Hubballi: Following the introduction of the Vande Bharat (VB) sleeper train between Howrah and Kamakhya in January 2026, Indian Railways is planning to roll out 10-12 such trains by March 2027. Railway enthusiasts are now advocating for the second VB sleeper train in the country to operate between Bengaluru and Mumbai via Hubballi, the headquarters of South Western Railway.
Political Support for the Train
Several prominent figures, including Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar, have approached the Union Railway Minister and the Railway Board, receiving a positive response. Shettar informed TOI that he recently met Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to press for the service. “A VB sleeper train is much needed between Bengaluru and Mumbai to modernise the long-distance journey of around 1,200 km. It will serve passengers travelling between Bengaluru, North Karnataka and Mumbai with superior onboard comfort,” he said, adding that the minister assured him the demand would be considered on priority.
Economic Significance of the Route
Mahendra Singhi, a member of the SWR Zonal Railway Users’ Consultative Committee in Hubballi, stated that he submitted a memorandum through the SWR General Manager seeking the train. “The route covers six districts — Bengaluru, Tumakuru, Davanagere, Haveri, Dharwad and Belagavi — all economically significant. On the Maharashtra side, Sangli, Satara, Pune and Thane will benefit. Heavy traffic between Bengaluru and Hubballi, and Pune and Mumbai, shows the need for such a premium service. It can boost the regional economy,” he said.
Davanagere MP Prabha Mallikarjun has also written to the Railways seeking a VB sleeper between Bengaluru and Hubballi. Rohit S Jain, secretary of the SWR Passengers Committee in Davanagere, emphasised that the Bengaluru–Davanagere–Hubballi–Belagavi stretch is a major IT-BT and commercial corridor. “It contributes significantly to GST compared to other routes. Running a VB sleeper here would be economically viable,” he said.
Union Minister of State for Railways V Somanna was unavailable for comment. Stay updated with the latest Hubballi news. Download the TOI App.
