The launch of three new Vande Bharat Express trains, including one starting from Bengaluru, marks a milestone moment for the city and its future. With better rail infrastructure, Bengaluru will be able to access untapped talent and new ideas which will help the city to continue to lead and be the heart of the region driving digital advancement of India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the three Vande Bharat trains from Bengaluru, calling it a proud day for Indian Railways and a giant leap toward a faster, more connected India.
This event takes the total number of Vande Bharat trains in operation across the country to 150 which is a significant milestone for the Railways. Now speaking at the ceremony, the Prime Minister described the trains as symbols of modern India’s confidence and capability. “They are not just about speed, these trains represent service, connection, and equal access,” he said, underlining how such infrastructure is helping bridge the distances between regions, cultures, and economies.
The new high-speed rail opens up a lot of opportunities as it will be much easier and quicker for students, professionals, patients, and tourists from all over the region to access the capital for education, healthcare, and work. It also opens up a new era of business which will boost trade and collaboration. Among the newly launched routes, the Belagavi to Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express stands out for its potential to transform intra-State travel in Karnataka. Covering 611kms, this service stops at Dharwad, Hubballi, Haveri, Davanagere, Tumkuru, and Yeshwantpur.
It is Karnataka’s 11th Vande Bharat and Belagavi’s second, significantly reducing travel time between the northern districts and the State Capital.
This is expected to benefit thousands of commuters travelling for business and students to patients heading to Bengaluru for advanced care. It also opens the doors wider for tourism in historic destinations such as Hampi, Badami, and Gokarna.
PM also virtually flagged another key service is the Nagpur (Ajni) to Pune Vande Bharat Express, which connects two economic powerhouses of Maharashtra. This route includes major stops such as Wardha, Akola, Bhusaval, Jalgaon, Manmad, Ahmednagar, and others. By linking Nagpur’s manufacturing belt with Pune’s thriving IT and educational sectors, this train creates new opportunities for industry collaboration, talent mobility, and tourism. It’s expected to become a vital daily lifeline for entrepreneurs, students, and working professionals as well.
The third route includes the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Amritsar Vande Bharat Express which focuses on spiritual and cultural travel by connecting two of Indias most important pilgrimage destinations, the train makes it easier for pilgrims to visit the Vaishno Devi shrine and the Golden Temple.
With stops at Jammu Tawi, Pathankot, Jalandhar, and Beas, the service also strengthens tourism and trade in both Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab, each of which now operate 5 Vande Bharat trains.
Vande Bharat is a reflection of India’s growing self-reliance in high-speed rail which is designed and manufactured entirely in India, these trains offer modern comforts like climate
control, ergonomic seating, panoramic windows, infotainment, ambient lighting, and bio-vacuum toilets. Safety has also been prioritised, with every train equipped with Kavach, India’s indigenous anti-collision system.
Features like GPS tracking, CCTV cameras, regenerative braking and fire detection systems ensure passenger security while also promoting energy efficiency.
Since the introduction, Vande Bharat trains have transported more than 6.3 crore passengers so this overwhelming demand is a strong endorsement of the comfort, speed, and reliability they provide, now the Government plans to introduce 200 more such trains in the next 3 years, expanding their reach to more cities and states. The service fare from Belagavi — Bengaluru includes: Chair car fares are Rs 1,575 with meals and Rs 1,264 without, while Executive class fares are Rs 2,905 with meals and Rs 2,535 without. These prices, combined with reduced travel time and premium facilities, make the Vande Bharat a compelling option for a wide range of travellers.