North Karnataka is all set to welcome its fourth Vande Bharat Express Train (VBET), which will soon connect the city of Belagavi with the state capital, Bengaluru. This long-awaited development has received a green signal from the Railway Ministry, offering a dedicated high-speed rail service for Belagavi commuters and significantly boosting regional connectivity.
The introduction of this new service addresses a sustained demand from the region, which had earlier sought an extension of the existing Bengaluru–Dharwad VBET up to Belagavi. Instead of modifying the current route, the rail authorities have opted for a standalone service tailored to Belagavi’s growing travel needs.
As per details shared by key public representatives involved in the proposal, the Belagavi-Bengaluru-Belagavi Vande Bharat Express is expected to operate on a schedule opposite to that of the Bengaluru–Dharwad service. While the latter departs from Bengaluru in the morning, the new train is likely to start its journey from Belagavi during early hours, ensuring better resource utilization and offering morning departures from both ends. This complementary timing is designed to cater to business travellers, students, and tourists alike, offering a faster and more comfortable journey.
Though the official launch date of the new service has not yet been confirmed, preparations are underway. Notably, a test run for a VBET service along this corridor was conducted earlier but faced delays due to technical challenges near Londa junction. These issues have reportedly been resolved, clearing the path for the upcoming launch.
With this addition, North Karnataka will be further integrated into the high-speed rail network, enhancing mobility and economic interaction between two major urban centres. The new Vande Bharat service is expected to drastically cut down travel time and offer world-class comfort, reinforcing the region’s infrastructure growth and modernization efforts.