Udupi: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has indicated that steps will be taken to operate the Vande Bharat Express connecting Bengaluru with Mangaluru, Udupi and Karwar after the completion of electrification work in the ghat section. The assurance was given in response to a request highlighting the travel needs of railway passengers from coastal Karnataka.
MP submits memorandum seeking Vande Bharat service
The assurance came after Udupi–Chikkamagaluru Member of Parliament Kota Srinivas Poojary met the Union Railway Minister in New Delhi and submitted a detailed memorandum seeking the introduction of the Vande Bharat Express on the Bengaluru–coastal Karnataka route.
In his representation, the MP explained the growing demand for faster and more efficient rail connectivity between the state capital and the coastal districts. He emphasised that Bengaluru, being a major economic, educational and healthcare hub, has strong travel links with Mangaluru, Udupi and Karwar, making the case for a premium semi-high-speed train service.
Electrification work nearing completion
In the memorandum, Kota Srinivas Poojary pointed out that the electrification work in the Hassan and Sakleshpur sections is nearing completion. He stated that once the challenging ghat section is fully electrified, the route would be technically suitable for operating modern electric trains such as the Vande Bharat Express.
The MP noted that the Sakleshpur ghat section has long been considered a bottleneck due to steep gradients and operational constraints. Completion of electrification, he said, would mark a significant milestone in improving rail infrastructure in the region.
Minister assures improved rail services
Responding to the request, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that railway services between Bengaluru and Karwar would see improvement after the electrification of the Sakleshpur ghat section. He assured that the introduction of the Vande Bharat Express on this route would be considered once the electrification work is completed.
The minister added that the Railways is focusing on expanding Vande Bharat services across the country, particularly on routes with high passenger demand and strategic importance. He said coastal Karnataka, with its economic activity, tourism potential and port connectivity, fits into this broader vision.
Importance of coastal connectivity
Coastal Karnataka has long demanded better and faster rail connectivity with Bengaluru. The region is home to major ports, educational institutions, healthcare facilities and tourism destinations, drawing a steady flow of passengers throughout the year.
Currently, passengers rely on conventional express and overnight trains that take several hours to cover the distance due to ghat section constraints and limited speeds. Introduction of the Vande Bharat Express is expected to significantly reduce travel time and enhance passenger comfort.
Boost to tourism and economy
Railway experts and local stakeholders believe that a Vande Bharat service on the Bengaluru–Mangaluru–Udupi–Karwar route would provide a major boost to tourism and economic activity. Coastal towns attract tourists for beaches, temples and cultural events, while Bengaluru sees frequent travel from students, professionals and traders from the region.
Faster rail connectivity is also expected to benefit business travel and improve access to healthcare facilities in Bengaluru for residents of coastal districts.
Public demand gains momentum
Over the past few years, various organisations, elected representatives and passenger associations have repeatedly demanded premium train services on the coastal route. The introduction of Vande Bharat trains on several other routes across India has strengthened expectations among passengers from coastal Karnataka.
Residents and frequent travellers have welcomed the minister’s assurance, stating that the Vande Bharat service would bring coastal districts on par with other regions that already enjoy semi-high-speed train connectivity.
Awaiting completion of ghat electrification
While the assurance has raised hopes, railway officials have clarified that the completion of electrification in the Sakleshpur ghat section remains the key prerequisite. Once the work is completed and safety assessments are carried out, further decisions regarding train operations can be finalised.
Officials said that planning for new services also depends on operational feasibility, availability of rakes and scheduling along the busy Bengaluru–Hassan corridor.
Conclusion
The assurance by the Union Railway Minister has renewed optimism among passengers from coastal Karnataka about improved rail connectivity. As electrification work in the ghat section nears completion, expectations are high that the Vande Bharat Express will soon link Bengaluru with Mangaluru, Udupi and Karwar, offering faster, modern and more comfortable travel for thousands of passengers.