Over a year has passed since the much-celebrated trial run of the Vande Bharat Express on the Bengaluru-Dharwad-Belagavi route. Yet, the people of Belagavi are still left yearning for its service. The trial, conducted on November 21, 2023, showcased the potential of a swift, modern connection that could revolutionize travel between Bengaluru and Belagavi. The train covered the route with precision, reaching Belagavi from Bengaluru in less than eight hours. However, despite this seamless trial, the promised extension has vanished into thin air.
The silence is deafening, and the inaction is glaring. What is stopping this development? Why are the cries of Belagavi’s citizens for modern connectivity falling on deaf ears? Member of Parliament Jagadish Shettar’s assertion that “invisible hands” are hindering progress adds a sinister undertone to an already frustrating situation. Yet, no one seems willing to confront or unravel this mystery.
While the Pune-Hubballi Vande Bharat operates smoothly on a similar route, the Bengaluru-Dharwad Vande Bharat’s extension to Belagavi remains trapped in an inexplicable quagmire. The question that haunts Belagavi residents is: Why us? The infrastructure is ready, the travel time has been tested and validated, and the demand is undeniable. So, what invisible barriers are preventing this logical extension from becoming a reality?
Belagavi is no stranger to being overlooked. It has long been a city that contributes significantly to Karnataka’s economy and culture, yet its people are repeatedly sidelined when it comes to development projects. The successful trial was more than just a technical feat—it was a beacon of hope, a promise of progress for a region that has long endured subpar connectivity. Now, that hope has turned to frustration, as the people feel abandoned by those who were elected to advocate for their welfare.
The lack of action is more than just a logistical failure—it is a breach of trust. The representatives who were entrusted with Belagavi’s development have failed to convert promises into tangible results. The people of Belagavi are not asking for luxuries; they are demanding what they rightfully deserve: efficient, modern connectivity that can catalyze growth and ease their lives.
This issue transcends railways—it reflects the systemic neglect of regions like Belagavi. When a project as straightforward as extending an already successful train service faces endless delays, it speaks volumes about misplaced priorities and a lack of political will.
It is high time for answers. The people of Belagavi are tired of excuses and empty assurances. They demand transparency, accountability, and action. The authorities must break their silence and clarify why the extension remains stalled. The time for passing the buck is over; the time for delivering results is now.
Belagavi deserves to be part of Karnataka’s modernization narrative. The question is, will those in power step up and do what is right, or will they let yet another promise fade into oblivion? Belagavi is watching, and it will not be silenced.
Belagavi has always been subjected to step motherly treatment. People sitting at Vidhan Soudha are avers to the development of NK region. Let them learn from Tamilnadu how it has developed seven to eight tier two cities across the state and evenly distributed the industries. But in Karnataka only south is being considered for setting up any industry.
Invisible hands are stopping , Bengaluru, Kochi Vande Bharat too
It’s the bus lobby
If it’s like that, then why other tbrough belgaum to other cities, then belgaviker gain rights to interven other niches. Then why VBT crosses Belgaum. Let it be upto belgaum only.
The delay in extending Vande Bharat to Belagavi is unexplainable. One year is a long time to resolve a technical issue, if any. Their are two cabinet ministers of the state government from Belagavi… why are they silent on this ?
Besides this issue the THIRD RAILWAY GATE overbridge work ( one side) has stopped for over TWO years. Resulting into a visible congestion at entry point towards hotel PANJURLI side. Why our representatives are silent on this issue too. Why the work has stopped halfway. Reportedly, the state government hasn’t given it’s share of funds to the contractor / Railways.
All should raise this issue at least in the coming assembly session in December scheduled to be held in Belagavi.
Hope, both these pending issues are addressed and resolved at the earliest.
Shreekant Parulekar
VANDE BHARAT BELGAUM
Belgaum should be blessed with a
MP, who should be
Young & Youthful
Dynamic & Energetic
Committed & Dedicated
Connected & Grounded with his constituency
For example MP TEJASVI SURYAji
Certainly many dream projects of Belgaum would have been a reality by now
What do you say
Please reply ur comments with
👍🏼
Prahald Joshi is behind this sabka sath but Apna Vikas is his logo business ke liye Belgavi chahiye , he is taking on. With grudge becuse Mysore trains got extended to Belagavi and holding hands of SWR officials and RM Ashwini Vaishnav
Young intelligent dynamic committed to the constituency is required
Banglore – Belgaum Indigo morning flight got cancelled despite full house. Now we belgaumites have to catch hubli flight and then take taxi 3k rent or bus after waiting for an hour on highway. No one care about this all local politicians are silent. Business is going to hubli now. Now hubli flight is full with belgaum passengers . This is sorry state of belgaum. If hubli politician want anything they get it by hook or crook on expense of belgaum sufferings.
I read all the comments, Late for the party but very true.
invisible hands have become visible after reading the comments.
but this is again local news, Invisible hands are thick skinned.
Need to raise the news to a more higher level, but does it really make a difference if the decision makers are hell bent on punishing the business and only after collecting business revenues.