According to Pralhad Joshi, the Railway Minister assured him that the new train service would begin operations within the next few weeks, providing faster and more efficient rail connectivity between Karnataka and Maharashtra. The proposed superfast service is expected to operate through the central Karnataka corridor, benefiting several important districts and urban centres across the state.
The new railway service is likely to significantly improve travel connectivity between northern and southern Karnataka while strengthening direct rail access to Mumbai. At present, many passengers travelling between Bengaluru and Mumbai depend on long-duration train journeys or expensive air travel. The upcoming superfast train is expected to reduce travel inconvenience and offer a faster transport alternative for business travellers, students, tourists, and regular commuters.
In another major development, Pralhad Joshi stated that Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had also responded positively to a proposal seeking the future upgrade of the train into a Vande Bharat Express Sleeper service. If approved, the upgrade would introduce modern sleeper-class facilities, improved passenger comfort, upgraded onboard amenities, and faster overnight travel between the two metropolitan cities.
The proposed Vande Bharat Sleeper service forms part of Indian Railways’ broader modernisation programme aimed at introducing next-generation long-distance train services equipped with advanced technology and enhanced passenger infrastructure. Railway officials believe the sleeper upgrade could transform overnight rail travel between Bengaluru and Mumbai by offering greater comfort and improved operational efficiency.
During the meeting, Pralhad Joshi also raised the issue of redeveloping the railway station in Hubballi to improve infrastructure and passenger amenities. The proposed redevelopment plan reportedly includes modern waiting areas, upgraded passenger facilities, improved station accessibility, and infrastructure modernisation designed to handle rising passenger traffic in the region.
Hubballi-Dharwad remains one of Karnataka’s major commercial and transportation centres, making railway expansion and station redevelopment a significant demand for residents, industries, and business communities across the region.
Apart from the proposed train service and station redevelopment plans, Pralhad Joshi also urged the Railway Ministry to conduct a fresh survey for the proposed Lokapur-Savadatti-Dharwad railway line project. The railway line proposal has long been considered important for strengthening regional rail connectivity and supporting economic growth across parts of northern Karnataka. According to Pralhad Joshi, the Railway Minister assured him that the proposal would be examined further.
Sharing details of the discussions on social media platform X, Pralhad Joshi stated that the proposed railway projects and infrastructure upgrades would significantly strengthen connectivity between Bengaluru and Mumbai while accelerating transport and infrastructure development in the Hubballi-Dharwad region. The developments are expected to improve passenger mobility, support regional economic activity, and expand transportation accessibility across Karnataka.
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