Bengaluru, February 8: Karnataka’s Infrastructure Development Minister, M.B. Patil, met with Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to request approval for several significant railway projects in the state. Patil proposed the introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express between Bengaluru and Vijayapura, the initiation of a high-speed rail corridor between Bengaluru and Mumbai, and the launch of a daily special train service on the Bengaluru-Vijayapura route.
The meeting took place after the inauguration of an electronics manufacturing unit at a high-tech hardware park, where Minister Patil presented a written proposal to Minister Vaishnaw. The Railways Minister assured him that all proposals would be considered positively.
Patil emphasized that Bengaluru is the country’s tech capital, while Mumbai is regarded as the financial capital. Therefore, it is crucial to connect these two major cities with a fast, modern, and efficient transportation system. He also urged for the announced high-speed rail corridor between Mumbai and Pune to be extended to Bengaluru, to which the Railways Minister responded favorably.
Regarding travel between Bengaluru and Vijayapura, Patil noted that the distance is approximately 530 kilometers, but current train services take 15 to 16 hours. He suggested reducing this travel time to around 10 hours by minimizing stops between Bengaluru and Hubballi and operating trains via the Hubballi and Gadag bypass. He also called for the introduction of the Vande Bharat Express on this route.
Additionally, Minister Patil requested the establishment of a daily special train service on the Bengaluru-Vijayapura route. He stated that these proposed rail services would significantly benefit several districts in central and northern Karnataka socially, industrially, and economically. According to Patil, Minister Vaishnaw agreed to all three of his requests and showed a positive attitude during the meeting, which was also attended by several senior railway officials, including Ajay Sharma, General Manager of South Western Railway.
Earlier, while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the electronics manufacturing unit, Minister Patil remarked that this new plant strengthens India’s capability to design, manufacture, and supply high-quality electronics for mission-critical applications. He noted that the unit is tailored to meet the needs of vital sectors such as defense, aerospace, and automotive electronics, where quality and reliability are paramount.
Patil also mentioned that the Karnataka government is investing over ₹4,000 crores to ensure a reliable water supply from the Cauvery River to industrial areas around Bengaluru. Furthermore, continuous investments are being made in roads, electricity, and logistics to provide long-term reliable facilities for industries in the state.