Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar has urged Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to introduce a Vande Bharat Sleeper train between Bengaluru and Mumbai via Davanagere and Hubballi, saying the service would significantly improve overnight rail connectivity for North Karnataka and Maharashtra.
Speaking to PTI, Shettar said the proposed route would benefit passengers from cities such as Hubballi and Belagavi while providing a faster and more comfortable overnight travel option between Bengaluru and Mumbai.
The demand assumes significance as the Railway Ministry had earlier indicated plans for a Bengaluru–Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper on a different route.
As reported on April 27, 2026, Union Minister Ashwini Viashnav and Pralhad Joshi had announced that, along with the approval of two new Bengaluru–Mumbai train services, the Vande Bharat Sleeper train will be via Kalaburagi, with an expected journey time of around 16 hours.
Shettar’s latest appeal proposes a different alignment through Hubballi-Belagavi, bringing the premium overnight service to the South Western Railway corridor.
At present, no official approval has been announced for a Vande Bharat Sleeper via Hubballi. The Railway Ministry had mentioned in April that the proposed Bengaluru–Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper will operate via Kalaburagi, as indicated earlier.
With demand growing for faster rail connectivity between Karnataka and Maharashtra, the final routing of the Bengaluru–Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper will be closely watched by passengers across North Karnataka.
Har neta ka aapna area important hai. Iss ko passenger train kar do. Problem solved.
Dear friend the no.of Cities from Bengaluru will Mumbai enroute cover important cities of Karnataka namely Tumkuru- touted to have 2 nd airport about 40 kms from Tumkuru,
Arasikere Juction which help Coffee growers n traders so also Copra,
Davanagere known for Cotton n other Agricultural products .
HIBLI – Dharwad education n Industrial hub
Than comes Belagavi .
Where as the proposed route po passes through 75% in AP except Original Station Bengaluru dry belt in Raichur n Kalaburgi.
Being a seasoned Parliamentarian Prahlad Josho should have rejected the proposed route via Kalburgi abinitio.
Please prioritze the complete of the new railway track via kittur as the local buses are currently severely overcrowded