For the people of Belagavi, the Vande Bharat train service has remained a distant dream. Despite a trial run up to Belagavi, regular services are yet to commence, with the South Western Railway citing various reasons for the delay.
Long-standing Demand
When the Vande Bharat train was announced between Bengaluru-Hubballi-Dharwad, there was a demand to extend it up to Belagavi. Former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai had promised action to extend the service during his visit to Belagavi in December 2022.
Trial Run and Obstacles
In 2023, a trial run of the train took place up to Belagavi, which was reported successful. However, railway activists questioned the delay in extending the service. The Railway department cited reasons such as the lack of water filling facility, incomplete overhead electrification (OHE), and inadequate platform system at Belagavi station.
Ongoing Efforts
Despite completion of OHE work and provision of water filling facility, obstacles persist. Railway activists allege inadequate train services at Belagavi station during certain hours. Efforts are being made by Rajya Sabha member Iranna Kadadi to address these issues after the model code of conduct ends.
