Karnataka Urges Centre To Start Bengaluru–Vijayapura Express Train

07 Apr 2026 CW Team

Karnataka Infrastructure Development Minister M B Patil has urged the Centre to introduce an express train between Bengaluru and Vijayapura after the completion of a nine point six kilometre double-line railway between Alamatti and Wandal that opened for traffic on March 25. He sent a letter on March 30 to the Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and the state minister V Somanna requesting early action. The appeal followed prior discussion that the finished section could enable an express service.

Patil argued that the new service would significantly ease travel for thousands of residents from Vijayapura and Bagalkote districts who commute to Bengaluru for education, healthcare, administrative matters and commercial activity. He underlined that the present rail service imposes strain on daily travellers and that improved connectivity would support regional economic links. The minister emphasised the social and commercial benefits of a faster, reliable service for students, patients and traders.

Patil noted that the current journey between the two cities takes about 15 hours and described this as inconvenient for many. He said efforts should be made to reduce travel time to around 10 hours to make rail travel more competitive with road options. The minister also sought that trains departing Bengaluru have limited stops up to Hubballi and that services heading to Vijayapura be routed via the Hubballi and Gadag bypass lines to expedite transit.

The Alamatti–Wandal section forms part of the Gadag–Hotgi double-line project and its commissioning is viewed as a step towards enhanced regional rail capacity. Patil requested that the introduction of an express service be accorded priority by the Centre to ensure timely scheduling and operational trials. Officials are yet to announce a formal plan or timetable and the minister's letter was conveyed through his office. The matter now awaits consideration by the Union Railway Ministry.

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