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Karnataka's Infrastructure Development Minister M B Patil has urged the Union government to introduce a direct express train between Bengaluru and Vijayapura, citing improved rail infrastructure and long-standing regional demand. The request follows the completion of a 9.6 km double-line railway section between Alamatti and Wandal, part of the Gadag Hotgi project, which has enhanced route capacity. The proposed service is expected to reduce travel time significantly and improve connectivity for passengers travelling between north Karnataka and the state capital. The minister has written to the Railway Ministry seeking priority for the proposal, highlighting its potential to support mobility for business, education, and administrative purposes.
Karnataka Infrastructure Development Minister M B Patil has formally requested the Union Railway Ministry to introduce an express train service between Bengaluru and Vijayapura, following the recent completion of a key railway infrastructure upgrade that enables improved connectivity along the route. The proposal, raised in the past week, has been communicated to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State for Railways V Somanna, with the state government seeking priority consideration for the service. Advertisement
The demand is linked to the commissioning of a 9.6 km double-line railway section between Alamatti and Wandal, which became operational recently as part of the broader Gadag Hotgi double-line project. The completion of this segment has enhanced line capacity and operational efficiency, creating the conditions required for introducing new passenger services along the corridor.
In his communication to the Centre, the minister indicated that the introduction of a direct express train had been discussed earlier and was contingent upon the completion of this infrastructure upgrade. With the project now operational, the state has renewed its request for the service to be introduced without delay. The proposal reflects a long-standing demand from residents and stakeholders in north Karnataka seeking improved rail connectivity with Bengaluru.
The proposed train is expected to benefit passengers from districts such as Vijayapura and Bagalkot, where residents frequently travel to Bengaluru for employment, education, business activities, and administrative work. Improved connectivity is also seen as a means to support regional economic integration by facilitating movement between the state's northern and southern regions.
Officials have indicated that the new service could significantly reduce travel time between Bengaluru and Vijayapura, potentially bringing it down from around 15 hours to nearly 10 hours, depending on routing and stoppage patterns. Suggestions have also been made to operate the train with limited halts and to route it via Hubballi and the Gadag bypass line to optimise journey duration.
While an existing rail connection already operates between Yesvantpur and Vijayapura, stakeholders have emphasised the need for a more efficient and time-effective service to meet growing passenger demand. Enhanced connectivity is also aligned with broader efforts to strengthen intra-state transport networks and improve accessibility to key urban centres.
The proposal forms part of a wider push by the Karnataka government to improve rail infrastructure and connectivity across regions, particularly in areas where industrial and economic activity is expanding. With infrastructure upgrades underway across multiple corridors, the introduction of new train services is being positioned as a necessary step to support mobility and regional development.
The Railway Ministry is expected to examine the feasibility of the proposal, including operational considerations and scheduling, before taking a decision on introducing the service.
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