Belagavi Await Vande Bharat Train Amidst Delays and Speculations

After a successful trial run of the Vande Bharat Train from Bengaluru to Belagavi, hopes were high for its commencement during the winter session. However, the anticipation has turned into frustration as the service is yet to be operationalized, leaving residents and authorities perplexed about the reasons behind the delay.

The delay in the introduction of the Vande Bharat Train service to Belagavi has sparked questions, especially after revelations through a Right to Information (RTI) inquiry. It disclosed that the only impediments were the Overhead Equipment (OHE) installation at the pit line and the provision of watering services at Belagavi station. Strikingly, these issues were reportedly resolved three months ago, leaving many wondering about the cause of the continued delay.

One senior official from the South Western Railway Department shed some light on the matter, suggesting that the extension of the Vande Bharat Train to Belagavi would significantly increase the total travel time to 17-18 hours per day. This, the official claimed, wouldn’t serve the purpose of the Vande Bharat train. However, this explanation has raised eyebrows, as Vande Bharat trains operate for similar durations at other locations without such hindrances.

Comparing the travel times, it’s noteworthy that the Vande Bharat train leaving Bengaluru in the morning can reach Dharwad within 5-6 hours, with the return journey taking about 6 hours, plus an additional hour for maintenance. However, the total duration for the extended Vande Bharat train service to Belagavi, as per the released schedule, would be 16 hours and 5 minutes, making it shorter than the duration for the Vande Bharat service to Kalburgi, and takes 18 hrs 15 min.

As speculations abound, attention is turning to the possible motives behind the delay. With the looming possibility of the model code of conduct being imposed anytime, which would halt the announcement of new trains until after the elections, concerns are mounting among the residents of Belagavi. It is feared that the delay may stretch until the end of May, by which time the election process would conclude, and a new government would be formed at the center.

The lingering question remains: if the trial conducted in December proved successful and the requirements were met, then who or what is causing the delay in bringing the Vande Bharat Train to Belagavi? The frustration among the residents continues to grow, demanding answers and swift action from the concerned authorities to resolve the issue promptly.