In a significant push to enhance regional connectivity and economic growth, Karnataka's Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dinesh Gundu Rao, has formally requested the introduction of high-speed Vande Bharat train services on the crucial Mangaluru-Bengaluru route. The appeal was made in a detailed letter addressed to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Bridging the Gap for Uniform Development
Minister Rao's request is deeply tied to the state government's broader strategy of developing tier-2 cities into modern hubs for work and industry. The goal is to offer viable alternatives to investors and ensure balanced growth across all regions of Karnataka. Mangaluru has been identified as a prime candidate to serve as an effective counter-magnet to Bengaluru, given its robust infrastructure in education, commerce, and culture.
However, the minister highlighted a critical bottleneck. "While facilities in Mangaluru can compete... against any city in India, the lack of quick transportation to Mangaluru has prevented it from realising its full potential," Rao noted in his communication. The absence of fast, reliable rail connectivity is seen as a major impediment to unlocking the coastal city's economic prowess.
Proposed Schedule for Daily Connectivity
The minister did not just make a generic request but put forth a concrete operational proposal. He urged for three daily Vande Bharat services on all weekdays to facilitate seamless and quick commuting for professionals and business travellers. The suggested timetable is as follows:
- Departures from Mangaluru to Bengaluru at 4:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 6:00 PM.
- Return services from Bengaluru to Mangaluru on the same day.
This schedule is designed to cater to different travel needs, from early morning business trips to evening returns, effectively making day trips between the two cities feasible and efficient.
A Catalyst for Dakshina Kannada's Prosperity
The introduction of the semi-high-speed Vande Bharat trains is envisioned as a game-changer for the Dakshina Kannada district. Quick daily train connections would directly stimulate the local economy by making Mangaluru more accessible for investment, tourism, and professional exchange. It would provide the necessary impetus for thousands of working professionals and entrepreneurs who need to commute between these two prolific economic centers of Karnataka.
By reducing travel time significantly compared to existing train services, the Vande Bharat trains could transform Mangaluru from a potential alternative into a practical and attractive destination for businesses looking to diversify beyond Bengaluru. This move aligns with the state's vision of achieving uniform growth and decongesting the capital city while empowering other urban centers.
