Ashwini Vaishnaw Flags Off Bengaluru–Mumbai Express Train Strengthening Rail Connectivity Between Karnataka and Maharashtra

The Union Railway Minister, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw virtually flagged off an express train between Bengaluru – Mumbai, marking a major step in strengthening connectivity between Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Bengaluru–Mumbai Express Train
- Flagged off virtually by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on 17 May 2026.
- Strengthens direct rail connectivity between Karnataka and Maharashtra, addressing long‑pending demands from South & North Karnataka.
- A Vande Bharat Sleeper service on the same route is expected to start soon.

Infrastructure Growth in Karnataka
- 61 stations being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (₹2,160 crore).
- Bengaluru Cantonment (₹485 crore)
- Yeshwantpur (₹367 crore)
- Since 2014:
- 1,750 km of new railway lines built in Karnataka.
- Electrification completed in Hassan–Mangaluru section (testing ongoing).

Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project
- Work progressing across four corridors.
- Land acquisition completed for Baiyappanahalli–Chikkabanavara and Heelalige–Rajanukunte.
- Alignments approved for KSR Bengaluru–Devanahalli and Kengeri–Whitefield.
- Integration planned with airport, Electronic City, Marathahalli, Hebbal.

Broader Connectivity
- Karnataka currently operates 12 pairs of Vande Bharat trains.
- Testing underway on Bengaluru–Mangaluru route to extend coastal connectivity up to Madgaon.
- Bullet train corridors approved: Bengaluru–Hyderabad and Bengaluru–Chennai.
- Long‑term vision: expand high‑speed rail network to 7,000 km.

Capacity & Safety Enhancements
- New depots:
- Vande Bharat Sleeper depot at Thanisandra (₹270 crore).
- Chair car facility at SMVT Bengaluru (₹52.73 crore).
- Doubling/quadrupling works around Bengaluru (₹2,711 crore).
- Automatic signalling across key sections (₹6,396 crore).
- Karnataka railway budget allocation: ₹7,748 crore (record high).
- Electrification close to 100%, with 3,840 km developed since 2014.
- ROBs/RUBs increased from ~150 (pre‑2014) to 707, with 146 more due in a year.

This launch is both symbolic and practical: it strengthens inter‑state connectivity while showcasing Karnataka’s rapid railway modernization.