Karnataka Minister MB Patil announced on Wednesday that a new Vande Bharat Express train will soon connect Bengaluru with Vijayapura, formerly known as Bijapur. The announcement was made during a press conference in Bengaluru, where Patil highlighted the train's potential to enhance regional connectivity and boost tourism in northern Karnataka.
Details of the New Route
The Vande Bharat Express will operate between Bengaluru's Krantivira Sangolli Rayanna Railway Station and Vijayapura, covering a distance of approximately 600 kilometers. The travel time is expected to be around 8-9 hours, significantly reducing the current journey duration of over 12 hours by regular trains. The train will feature modern amenities, including reclining seats, onboard Wi-Fi, GPS-based information systems, and bio-vacuum toilets.
Patil stated that the train will stop at key stations along the route, including Chitradurga, Davangere, and Hubballi, to benefit passengers from multiple districts. The exact schedule and frequency of the service are yet to be finalized, but it is expected to run six days a week.
Economic and Tourism Impact
The minister emphasized that the new Vande Bharat Express will boost local economies by facilitating easier travel for business and leisure. Vijayapura, known for its historical monuments like the Gol Gumbaz and Ibrahim Rauza, is a major tourist destination. Improved connectivity is expected to increase tourist footfall, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and local artisans.
According to Patil, the train will also support the agricultural sector by enabling faster transport of perishable goods. Farmers from the Vijayapura region, known for producing grapes, pomegranates, and sugarcane, will be able to send their produce to Bengaluru markets more efficiently.
Government Initiatives
The announcement is part of the Karnataka government's broader push to enhance rail infrastructure. Patil said the state has requested the Indian Railways to introduce additional Vande Bharat services on other routes, including Bengaluru-Mysuru and Bengaluru-Dharwad. The central government has already approved the Bengaluru-Vijayapura route, and work is underway to prepare the tracks and stations for the semi-high-speed train.
Patil also noted that the Vande Bharat Express will operate at a maximum speed of 130 km/h on this route, requiring upgrades to railway crossings and signaling systems. The state government has allocated funds for these improvements in the recent budget.
Public Reaction
Local residents and business leaders have welcomed the announcement. The Vijayapura Chamber of Commerce said in a statement that the train will "bridge the gap between the capital and the northern region, creating new opportunities for trade and employment." Social media users have also expressed excitement, with many calling for similar services to other underserved areas.
The Vande Bharat Express is India's flagship semi-high-speed train, known for its comfort and speed. The Bengaluru-Vijayapura service will be the third Vande Bharat train in Karnataka, after the ones connecting Bengaluru to Chennai and Mysuru.
