Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar has once again urged the Union Government to operate the proposed Bengaluru–Mumbai Sleeper Vande Bharat train via Tumakuru–Davanagere–Hubballi–Belagavi–Pune, arguing that the route would better serve North Karnataka’s industrial, educational and commercial belt.
In a letter dated July 22, 2026, addressed to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Shettar requested the Railway Ministry to reconsider the alignment of the proposed Sleeper Vande Bharat service, which has been announced to run via Kalaburagi–Solapur–Pune–Mumbai.
Shettar contended that the alternative route through Hubballi and Belagavi covers one of Karnataka’s most economically significant corridors, comprising major industrial centres, educational institutions, agricultural markets and defence-related industries.
In the letter, the MP highlighted that the Bengaluru–Tumakuru–Davanagere–Hubballi–Belagavi–Pune corridor serves:
- Major industrial and commercial hubs
- Aerospace and defence-linked industries
- Educational institutions
- Agricultural regions, including Belagavi, often referred to as Karnataka’s “Sugar Bowl”
- KLE Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital, which attracts patients from several states
He stated that introducing the premium overnight train on this alignment would protect the interests of residents of Belagavi and the wider North Karnataka region while ensuring balanced regional development.
Shettar specifically requested the Railway Ministry to announce a new Sleeper Vande Bharat between Bengaluru and Mumbai via Tumakuru, Davanagere, Hubballi, Belagavi and Pune instead of the presently proposed route.
Not the First Time
This is not the first representation made by Shettar on the issue.
Over the past several months, he has repeatedly pursued the demand after the Railway Ministry indicated that the Bengaluru–Mumbai Sleeper Vande Bharat would operate through the Kalaburagi corridor.
Available records indicate at least the following interventions:
- July 2026: Shettar publicly appealed for the Sleeper Vande Bharat to be routed via Hubballi and Belagavi.
- July 22, 2026: Fresh formal representation to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reiterating the same demand (latest letter).
- Earlier, he had also pursued the long-pending Belagavi–Bengaluru Vande Bharat, which was eventually launched after repeated representations to the Railway Ministry.
Demand Gains Wider Support
The proposal has also found support among rail users and civic groups in North Karnataka and western Maharashtra, who argue that the Belagavi corridor already has upgraded railway infrastructure and connects several major population centres. Similar demands have been raised by rail activists after reports emerged that the sleeper service would bypass the Belagavi–Miraj route.
However, Indian Railways has not yet announced any change in the approved alignment of the proposed Bengaluru–Mumbai Sleeper Vande Bharat.