The dream of extending the Vande Bharat Express to Belagavi has been dangling before the citizens like a carrot on a stick. MPs have met railway ministers, high-level meetings have been held, assurances have been given, but the train has yet to arrive. With both the MPs and the Railway Minister belonging to the same ruling party (BJP), the delay raises a simple yet burning question—what is taking so long?
A Timeline of Assurances Without Action
📌 November 5, 2022 – The first demand for the Vande Bharat Express from Belagavi was officially placed. Enthusiasm was high. “It will happen soon,” they said. (Source)
📌 June 19, 2024 – The discussion resurfaced in a high-level railway meeting. “Discussions are on,” they assured. (Source)
📌 June 27, 2024 – Jagadish Shettar met the Railway Minister, once again pressing for new trains, including the Belagavi extension. (Source)
📌 September 16, 2024 – The Pune-Hubballi Vande Bharat announcement reignited hopes. Everyone believed Belagavi was next. “Just a matter of time,” they said. (Source)
📌 September 19, 2024 – Another push, another assurance. (Source)
📌 January 11, 2025 – MP Shettar even took the issue to PM Modi himself. Still, no train. (Source)
📌 January 20, 2025 – A high-level meeting in Hubballi discussed Belagavi’s railway projects. Still waiting. (Source)
📌 February 10, 2025 – Finally, a green signal for the Vande Bharat extension. But when will it actually start? (Source)
Why the Delay?
Despite repeated meetings, Belagavi still doesn’t have a Vande Bharat train, while Pune’s extends up to Hubballi with ease. Railway sources claim one more month is needed for maintenance arrangements, staff hiring, and timetable tweaks.
But given this history of delays and political bureaucracy, citizens are right to ask:
🔹 Will it really happen this time?
🔹 Or will we see yet another meeting, another promise, and another date?
For now, Belagavi waits… again.
I am a resident of Belagavi and whether you believe it or not, Belagavi is not as developed as Hubballi or Kolhapur.. there are feasibility issues.. If you visit other cities and compare it to Belagavi, we have much more to catch up with. This is bitter truth.. except climate conditions, there is nothing else we should be proud of..