PM Modi flags off Bengaluru-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express, inaugurates 4 redeveloped railway stations in Karnataka

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated four redeveloped railway stations in Karnataka, including Chamarajanagar, Chikkamagaluru, Sakleshpur, and Subrahmanya Road, under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. These stations, modernized with improved amenities, aim to serve as city centers, promoting local commerce and tourism.

Modi flagged off the Bengaluru-Mangaluru-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express, a semi-high-speed train scheduled to commence regular service on November 15, 2026. The train will traverse major destinations such as Hassan, Sakleshpur, Mangaluru, Udupi, Murdeshwar, Gokarna, and Karwar. Two inaugural special Vande Bharat Express trains will operate on the inaugural day, one departing from SMVT Bengaluru and the other from Mangaluru Junction.

The Prime Minister also dedicated the 45-km Bagalkot-Wandal railway line doubling, part of the 284 km Gadag-Hospet doubling project. This enhancement will boost passenger and freight movement, aid local trade, and facilitate coal supply to the Kudgi NTPC plant. Additionally, the electrification of the Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road Ghat section, covering 55 km, was completed. With this, the entire Bengaluru-Mangaluru rail route is now fully electrified, benefiting both passengers and freight transportation.