PM Modi launches three Vande Bharat trains: Bengaluru-Belagavi, Katra-Amritsar, Nagpur-Pune | WATCH

Bengaluru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday flagged off three new Vande Bharat Express trains in Bengaluru.

While Modi was present in person to inaugurate the long-anticipated Bengaluru-Belagavi Vande Bharat Express, he also virtually launched two other routes-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Amritsar and Ajni (Nagpur)-Pune-via video link.

Officials said the new trains are designed to enhance regional connectivity, cut travel time significantly, and offer a “world-class travel experience” to passengers.

The event was attended by Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and other dignitaries. As Modi’s convoy travelled towards the railway station, crowds gathered along the route, chanting “Modi, Modi”, to which the Prime Minister responded by waving from his vehicle.

Fastest connection yet

The Bengaluru–Belagavi Vande Bharat Express becomes the 11th Vande Bharat service in Karnataka. Covering a distance of 611 kilometres in just 8.5 hours, it is now the fastest rail link between the two cities.

According to the Railways, the service saves approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from KSR Bengaluru to Belagavi, and 1 hour and 40 minutes on the return leg, compared to current alternatives.

The high-speed train connects Bengaluru, India’s technology hub, with Belagavi, home to several prestigious medical and engineering institutions, aiming to boost economic development and educational exchange.

A route through Karnataka’s growth corridor

Traversing Karnataka’s diverse and economically vital regions, the train route cuts through:

Tumakuru – industrial and educational centre

Davangere – known for textiles and agriculture

Haveri – a growing agricultural hub

Hubballi – a major commercial and industrial city

Dharwad – renowned for academic institutions

The Railways noted that the enhanced connectivity would particularly benefit students, professionals, farmers, and traders, by enabling quicker access to Bengaluru’s vast resources and opportunities.

Post-inauguration, a special service (Train No. 06575) was scheduled to operate from KSR Bengaluru to Belagavi, departing at 11:15 AM and arriving at 8:00 PM the same evening. En route, it will stop at Yesvantpur, Tumakuru, Davangere, SMM Haveri, SSS Hubballi, and Dharwad.