Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three new Vande Bharat Express trains from Bengaluru’s KSR Railway Station, aiming to enhance rail connectivity across India.
The trains include the Bengaluru–Belagavi service, flagged off in person, and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra–Amritsar and Ajni (Nagpur)–Pune routes, launched virtually.
The Bengaluru–Belagavi Vande Bharat Express, the 11th such service in Karnataka, covers 611 km in 8.5 hours, making it the fastest train between the two cities. Key stops include Yesvantpur, Tumakuru, Davangere, Hubballi, and Dharwad. Ticket fares range from Rs 1,575 for AC Chair Car to Rs 2,905 for Executive Chair Car.
The Katra–Amritsar train runs six days a week with stops at Beas, Jalandhar City, Pathankot Cantt, and Jammu Tawi. It departs Katra at 6:40 AM, reaching Amritsar by 12:20 PM. Fares range from Rs 1,170 to Rs 2,085.
The Ajni–Pune Vande Bharat Express covers 881 km in 12 hours, the fastest on this route. It stops at 10 stations including Wardha, Akola, and Jalgaon, operating six days a week. Departure from Pune is at 6:25 AM, reaching Ajni by 6:25 PM.
The launches underscore the government’s commitment to modernizing Indian Railways and providing world-class travel experiences. Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw were also present at the Bengaluru event.
