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<p><strong>Bengaluru-Mumbai Express Train Begins: </strong>In a major step to strengthen connectivity between Karnataka and Maharashtra, the government has started an express train between Bengaluru and Mumbai. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav virtually flagged off the express train on Sunday, May 17. The "long-pending demands of South &amp; North Karnataka are now being fulfilled," said Vaishnaw. </p>
<blockquote><p dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en"> New Express train between Bengaluru - Mumbai flagged off.</p>
<p> Strengthening direct connectivity between Karnataka &amp; Maharashtra <a href="https://t.co/yCJr4I4XT2">pic.twitter.com/yCJr4I4XT2</a></p>
<p>— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/AshwiniVaishnaw/status/2055920914005672226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2026</a></p></blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><p>During the event, the minister also announced that the "Vande Bharat Sleeper service between Bengaluru and Mumbai is expected to start soon." Highlighting infrastructure growth, he noted a significant increase in railway funding in recent years, accelerating project execution across Karnataka.</p>
<h2><strong>Railway Infrastructure Projects Gain Pace</strong></h2>
<p>The Railway Minister highlighted the expansion of railway infrastructure in Karnataka, stating that increased funding in recent years has accelerated several pending projects. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 61 railway stations in the state are being redeveloped at a cost of Rs 2,160 crore, of which nine projects have already been completed.</p>
<p>Bengaluru Cantonment station is being upgraded at a cost of Rs 485 crore, while redevelopment work at Yeshwantpur station is being carried out for Rs 367 crore.</p>
<p>Vaishnaw said around 1,750 km of new railway lines have been laid in Karnataka since 2014. Electrification work on the Hassan–Mangaluru section has also been completed, and testing is currently underway.</p>
<h2><strong>Progress on Bengaluru Suburban Railway Network</strong></h2>
<p>On the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project, the minister said work is progressing across all four corridors. Land acquisition has been completed for the Baiyappanahalli–Chikkabanavara and Heelalige–Rajanukunte routes, while station construction work is in progress.</p>
<p>He added that the alignment for the KSR Bengaluru–Devanahalli corridor has been approved jointly by the Railways and the state government, and the geotechnical survey has been completed. The Kengeri–Whitefield corridor was recently approved, and survey work will begin shortly.</p>
<p>According to the minister, the suburban rail network will connect major hubs, including the airport, Electronic City, Marathahalli, and Hebbal.</p>
<h2><strong>Vande Bharat Expansion and Bullet Train Plans</strong></h2>
<p>Vaishnaw also stated that Karnataka currently operates 12 pairs of Vande Bharat trains. Testing on the Bengaluru–Mangaluru route is underway and is expected to improve connectivity to coastal regions up to Madgaon.</p>
<p>The minister further revealed that bullet train corridors connecting Bengaluru with Hyderabad and Chennai have been approved. He said the long-term plan is to develop a 7,000-km network linking major cities, including Mumbai and Bengaluru.</p>
<h2><strong>Karnataka Gets Record Railway Investment</strong></h2>
<p>Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna thanked Vaishnaw for approving the new Bengaluru–Mumbai train service, saying it would benefit passengers travelling on one of the busiest rail routes and support Karnataka’s growth.</p>
<p>Somanna said Karnataka now operates 12 pairs of Vande Bharat trains covering 14 districts. He also announced that a Vande Bharat Sleeper maintenance depot will be set up at Thanisandra at a cost of Rs 270 crore, while a chair car maintenance facility will be developed at SMVT Bengaluru for Rs 52.73 crore.</p>
<p>Railway capacity enhancement projects are also underway, including the doubling of the Baiyappanahalli–Hosur line at Rs 1,116 crore, Bettahalasuru–Rajanukunte at Rs 248 crore, and quadrupling works around Bengaluru costing Rs 1,347 crore.</p>
<h2><strong>Automatic Signalling and Electrification Works</strong></h2>
<p>Somanna said automatic signalling works worth Rs 6,396 crore are being implemented across several sections, including Yesvantpur, KSR Bengaluru, Lottegollahalli, Baiyappanahalli, Penukonda, Mysuru, and Jolarpettai.</p>
<p>Highlighting the state’s railway growth, he stated that Karnataka has received a record railway budget allocation of Rs 7,748 crore. Since 2014, around 3,840 km of railway lines have been developed and 3,742 km electrified, bringing the state close to full electrification.</p>
<p>He also noted that the number of ROBs and RUBs in Karnataka has increased from around 150 before 2014 to 707 now, with another 146 expected to be completed within a year. The Railways is also aiming to eliminate all level crossings in the next three years.</p>
<h2><strong>Dignitaries Attend Launch Event</strong></h2>
<p>Several dignitaries attended the event, including P. C. Mohan, Lehar Singh Siroya, and Tejasvi Surya, who joined through video conference along with senior railway officials.</p>


Bengaluru-Mumbai Express Train Begins: In a major step to strengthen connectivity between Karnataka and Maharashtra, the government has started an express train between Bengaluru and Mumbai. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav virtually flagged off the express train on Sunday, May 17. The "long-pending demands of South &amp; North Karnataka are now being fulfilled," said Vaishnaw.  New Express train between Bengaluru - Mumbai flagged off. Strengthening direct connectivity between Karnataka &amp; Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/yCJr4I4XT2— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) May 17, 2026During the event, the minister also announced that the "Vande Bharat Sleeper service between Bengaluru and Mumbai is expected to start soon." Highlighting infrastructure growth, he noted a significant increase in railway funding in recent years, accelerating project execution across Karnataka.Railway Infrastructure Projects Gain PaceThe Railway Minister highlighted the expansion of railway infrastructure in Karnataka, stating that increased funding in recent years has accelerated several pending projects. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 61 railway stations in the state are being redeveloped at a cost of Rs 2,160 crore, of which nine projects have already been completed.Bengaluru Cantonment station is being upgraded at a cost of Rs 485 crore, while redevelopment work at Yeshwantpur station is being carried out for Rs 367 crore.Vaishnaw said around 1,750 km of new railway lines have been laid in Karnataka since 2014. Electrification work on the Hassan–Mangaluru section has also been completed, and testing is currently underway.Progress on Bengaluru Suburban Railway NetworkOn the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project, the minister said work is progressing across all four corridors. Land acquisition has been completed for the Baiyappanahalli–Chikkabanavara and Heelalige–Rajanukunte routes, while station construction work is in progress.He added that the alignment for the KSR Bengaluru–Devanahalli corridor has been approved jointly by the Railways and the state government, and the geotechnical survey has been completed. The Kengeri–Whitefield corridor was recently approved, and survey work will begin shortly.According to the minister, the suburban rail network will connect major hubs, including the airport, Electronic City, Marathahalli, and Hebbal.Vande Bharat Expansion and Bullet Train PlansVaishnaw also stated that Karnataka currently operates 12 pairs of Vande Bharat trains. Testing on the Bengaluru–Mangaluru route is underway and is expected to improve connectivity to coastal regions up to Madgaon.The minister further revealed that bullet train corridors connecting Bengaluru with Hyderabad and Chennai have been approved. He said the long-term plan is to develop a 7,000-km network linking major cities, including Mumbai and Bengaluru.Karnataka Gets Record Railway InvestmentUnion Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna thanked Vaishnaw for approving the new Bengaluru–Mumbai train service, saying it would benefit passengers travelling on one of the busiest rail routes and support Karnataka’s growth.Somanna said Karnataka now operates 12 pairs of Vande Bharat trains covering 14 districts. He also announced that a Vande Bharat Sleeper maintenance depot will be set up at Thanisandra at a cost of Rs 270 crore, while a chair car maintenance facility will be developed at SMVT Bengaluru for Rs 52.73 crore.Railway capacity enhancement projects are also underway, including the doubling of the Baiyappanahalli–Hosur line at Rs 1,116 crore, Bettahalasuru–Rajanukunte at Rs 248 crore, and quadrupling works around Bengaluru costing Rs 1,347 crore.Automatic Signalling and Electrification WorksSomanna said automatic signalling works worth Rs 6,396 crore are being implemented across several sections, including Yesvantpur, KSR Bengaluru, Lottegollahalli, Baiyappanahalli, Penukonda, Mysuru, and Jolarpettai.Highlighting the state’s railway growth, he stated that Karnataka has received a record railway budget allocation of Rs 7,748 crore. Since 2014, around 3,840 km of railway lines have been developed and 3,742 km electrified, bringing the state close to full electrification.He also noted that the number of ROBs and RUBs in Karnataka has increased from around 150 before 2014 to 707 now, with another 146 expected to be completed within a year. The Railways is also aiming to eliminate all level crossings in the next three years.Dignitaries Attend Launch EventSeveral dignitaries attended the event, including P. C. Mohan, Lehar Singh Siroya, and Tejasvi Surya, who joined through video conference along with senior railway officials.

Bengaluru-Mumbai Express train Begins: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav virtually flagged off the express train on Sunday, May 17. The "long-pending demands of South &amp; North Karnataka are now being fulfilled," said Vaishnaw. Check details:

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flags off Bengaluru–Mumbai express, hints at Vande Bharat sleeper service

news-union-minister-ashwini-vaishnaw-flags-off-bengaluru-mumbai-express-hints-at-vande-bharat-sleeper-service-395682

Bengaluru-Mumbai Express Train Begins: In a major step to strengthen connectivity between Karnataka and Maharashtra, the government has started an express train between Bengaluru and Mumbai. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav virtually flagged off the express train on Sunday, May 17. The long-pending demands of South North Karnataka are now being fulfilled, said Vaishnaw.   New Express train between Bengaluru - Mumbai flagged off.  Strengthening direct connectivity between Karnataka Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/yCJr4I4XT2 — Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) May 17, 2026 During the event, the minister also announced that the Vande Bharat Sleeper service between Bengaluru and Mumbai is expected to start soon. Highlighting infrastructure growth, he noted a significant increase in railway funding in recent years, accelerating project execution across Karnataka. Railway Infrastructure Projects Gain Pace The Railway Minister highlighted the expansion of railway infrastructure in Karnataka, stating that increased funding in recent years has accelerated several pending projects. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 61 railway stations in the state are being redeveloped at a cost of Rs 2,160 crore, of which nine projects have already been completed. Bengaluru Cantonment station is being upgraded at a cost of Rs 485 crore, while redevelopment work at Yeshwantpur station is being carried out for Rs 367 crore. Vaishnaw said around 1,750 km of new railway lines have been laid in Karnataka since 2014. Electrification work on the Hassan–Mangaluru section has also been completed, and testing is currently underway. Progress on Bengaluru Suburban Railway Network On the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project, the minister said work is progressing across all four corridors. Land acquisition has been completed for the Baiyappanahalli–Chikkabanavara and Heelalige–Rajanukunte routes, while station construction work is in progress. He added that the alignment for the KSR Bengaluru–Devanahalli corridor has been approved jointly by the Railways and the state government, and the geotechnical survey has been completed. The Kengeri–Whitefield corridor was recently approved, and survey work will begin shortly. According to the minister, the suburban rail network will connect major hubs, including the airport, Electronic City, Marathahalli, and Hebbal. Vande Bharat Expansion and Bullet Train Plans Vaishnaw also stated that Karnataka currently operates 12 pairs of Vande Bharat trains. Testing on the Bengaluru–Mangaluru route is underway and is expected to improve connectivity to coastal regions up to Madgaon. The minister further revealed that bullet train corridors connecting Bengaluru with Hyderabad and Chennai have been approved. He said the long-term plan is to develop a 7,000-km network linking major cities, including Mumbai and Bengaluru. Karnataka Gets Record Railway Investment Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna thanked Vaishnaw for approving the new Bengaluru–Mumbai train service, saying it would benefit passengers travelling on one of the busiest rail routes and support Karnataka’s growth. Somanna said Karnataka now operates 12 pairs of Vande Bharat trains covering 14 districts. He also announced that a Vande Bharat Sleeper maintenance depot will be set up at Thanisandra at a cost of Rs 270 crore, while a chair car maintenance facility will be developed at SMVT Bengaluru for Rs 52.73 crore. Railway capacity enhancement projects are also underway, including the doubling of the Baiyappanahalli–Hosur line at Rs 1,116 crore, Bettahalasuru–Rajanukunte at Rs 248 crore, and quadrupling works around Bengaluru costing Rs 1,347 crore. Automatic Signalling and Electrification Works Somanna said automatic signalling works worth Rs 6,396 crore are being implemented across several sections, including Yesvantpur, KSR Bengaluru, Lottegollahalli, Baiyappanahalli, Penukonda, Mysuru, and Jolarpettai. Highlighting the state’s railway growth, he stated that Karnataka has received a record railway budget allocation of Rs 7,748 crore. Since 2014, around 3,840 km of railway lines have been developed and 3,742 km electrified, bringing the state close to full electrification. He also noted that the number of ROBs and RUBs in Karnataka has increased from around 150 before 2014 to 707 now, with another 146 expected to be completed within a year. The Railways is also aiming to eliminate all level crossings in the next three years. Dignitaries Attend Launch Event Several dignitaries attended the event, including P. C. Mohan, Lehar Singh Siroya, and Tejasvi Surya, who joined through video conference along with senior railway officials.

Bengaluru-Mumbai Express train Begins: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav virtually flagged off the express train on Sunday, May 17. The long-pending demands of South North Karnataka are now being fulfilled, said Vaishnaw. Check details: