It’s been 11 months since the successful trial run of the Vande Bharat Express from Bengaluru to Belagavi. Still, the citizens of Belagavi continue to wait in vain for the promised service. On November 21, 2023, the sleek, eight-coach Vande Bharat train debuted on this route, clocking at a maximum speed of 110 kmph. The train departed from KSR Bengaluru at 5:45 AM and arrived in Belagavi at 1:40 PM. The return journey saw it leaving Belagavi at 2 PM and arriving back in Bengaluru at 10:10 PM, with the travel time from Dharwad to Belagavi clocking approximately 2 hours to 2 hours 10 minutes.
The successful trial generated significant excitement among the people of Belagavi, who had long awaited a high-speed, comfortable rail service that would connect them more efficiently to the state capital. Yet, despite the seamless trial, the much-anticipated extension of the Bengaluru-Dharwad Vande Bharat Express to Belagavi has failed to materialize, leaving the people of the region feeling deeply betrayed.
Promises were made—bold promises. But what has followed is a trail of inaction and empty assurances. Our elected representatives, it seems, are only capable of making requests and issuing hollow statements about the extension. These requests, whether truly heard or simply tossed aside, have yielded nothing concrete. While the Pune-Hubballi Vande Bharat runs successfully on a similar route, the extension from Dharwad to Belagavi has been mysteriously stuck in an endless loop of delays and bureaucratic hurdles.
The people of Belagavi cannot help but ask: Why are we always left behind? Is it so difficult to extend a train by a few hours to a region that so desperately needs it? The travel time between Dharwad and Belagavi is a mere 2 hours, as proven during the trial run. The operational infrastructure already exists. And yet, the people of this city are left with promises instead of action. How long will we remain dependent on outdated, slower alternatives when modern solutions lie just out of reach?
The trial run last year was more than just a technical test—it was a symbol of hope for Belagavi, a region that has long been overlooked in terms of connectivity and development. But as time drags on, that hope has turned into frustration, and frustration into anger. Belagavi feels abandoned. A city that has contributed so much to the state and the nation should not have to fight for basic infrastructure.
We, the people of Belagavi, are demanding answers. We are demanding accountability. Our representatives must do more than just make requests—they must deliver results. It is time for action, not more excuses. It is high time that the authorities wake up and stop ignoring this vital extension.
As we await the Vande Bharat’s return to Belagavi, we cannot help but wonder if our concerns will ever be taken seriously. Or will this too, like so many other promises made to this city, end up in the dustbin of history?
Belagavi deserves better. We deserve better.
Instead of guess work why don’t some ask the Railway officials to release an official statement stating the reason for not commencing Vande Bharat to and fro Belgaum.
The road distance between Belgaum to Dharwad is just 77 kms by road and it takes 1:15 hours to reach. However, it takes more than 2:30 hrs to reach the destination by train as there is no direct rail track connectivity between these two cities. If the new direct rail track is layed then the train distance and time can reduce significantly.
Request local, state, central and railway authorities to lay additional rail network between these two cities which will reduce rail travel time considerably and help more development of these cities economically.
An Apt solution would be to start a sleeper VB with route miraj/ sangli to bangalore thus catering to belgavi as well as sangli miraj on the lines of RC exp…which by the way is extremely slow …infact it runs as a stopping at all stations between gokak rd to miraj Junction
Why do we even need VB for belgaum. Cost of DWR to BLR is 1350 and 2460…if it extends to belgaum the cost will be around 1500+ min from BGM to BLR…I am just wondering how many people will actually prefer to go via VB. Its a useless discussion coz once started operational cost will increase and train will again be stopped due to low occupancy. Secondly average VB speed is 76 KM/Hr….Seriously anyone wanting to think something for belgaum have normal trains increase like Mr Angadi did, another normal train with fewer stops…
Dont want VB for belgaum
Who told that trial run was successful?