In recent times, the launch of Vande Bharat trains across India has sparked excitement, with passengers hoping for faster, more comfortable travel on busy routes. However, as the Pune to Hubballi Vande Bharat train is set to commence, the question remains: Why hasn’t the Bengaluru to Belagavi Vande Bharat extension materialized? And why are other critical rail connections being ignored?
Pune-Belagavi Vande Bharat Now Pune-Hubballi
Earlier reports suggested a potential Vande Bharat train between Pune and Belagavi. This would have connected two crucial cities with the latest semi-high-speed train technology. However, the final decision has shifted the route, making it from Pune to Hubballi instead.
Time Feasibility of Extending Dharwad-Belagavi Vande Bharat
A significant point raised by local railway enthusiasts is the time it would take for the Vande Bharat train to extend from Dharwad to Belagavi. According to circulated train timetables on WhatsApp and X (formerly Twitter), the travel time between Dharwad and Belagavi is approximately 98 to 100 minutes in both directions. This makes it logistically feasible for the existing Bengaluru-Dharwad Vande Bharat to extend its service to Belagavi without major adjustments. Despite this, there seems to be a reluctance from the South Western Railway (SWR) to make this happen.
Bengaluru to Belagavi Route and Challenges
The journey between Bengaluru and Belagavi has been officially approved by the Railway Board to take 7 hours and 45 minutes. In comparison, the Pune-Hubballi Vande Bharat has a travel time of 8 hours and 30 minutes. This raises questions about why the extension to Belagavi is not a priority, considering that longer routes are being operated.
A potential reason behind this discrepancy could be operational challenges, route congestion, or higher traffic on certain sectors like Hubballi. However, SWR has not provided any concrete explanation, leaving passengers speculating about whether political priorities or other logistical constraints are preventing the Bengaluru-Belagavi Vande Bharat extension.
The Need for Better Rail Connectivity Beyond Vande Bharat
While Vande Bharat trains represent a leap forward in Indian rail travel, the current focus on these services shouldn’t overshadow the need for better overall connectivity. Several key trains that once served Belagavi and surrounding regions have been canceled, leaving gaps in the network that affect daily commuters, traders, and the general public. The demand for reinstating these services remains strong, as they cater to a broader range of travellers, including those for whom Vande Bharat’s premium service is out of reach.
Vasco-Belagavi: A critical connection for trade and tourism, linking the coastal region of Goa with Belagavi as all roads to Goa are in bad shape, a daily train can be a blessing for travellers.
Miraj-Vasco: Another key route connecting South Maharashtra with Goa, essential for passenger and freight movement.
Belagavi-Miraj: Another route that needs restoration to boost connectivity in the region.
The introduction of Vande Bharat trains has brought hope for faster and more efficient rail travel, but the focus on select routes has left regions like Belagavi underserved. While the extension of Vande Bharat trains to Belagavi seems feasible, the delay or reluctance by the railways raises questions. Additionally, the restoration of crucial train services like Vasco-Belagavi and Miraj-Mysuru, Bhadrachalam etc is essential to meet the broader travel needs of the region. It’s time for the Indian Railways to balance its focus on premium services like Vande Bharat with the restoration and extension of essential connectivity for all.
