Bengaluru–Belagavi–Mumbai High-Speed Train Proposal Gains Momentum, Big Boost Expected For North Karnataka | Bengaluru-news News

Last Updated:February 14, 2026, 17:05 IST

The proposed project, if approved, could significantly strengthen intercity travel while improving economic connectivity between southern and western India

The proposal follows the announcement made in the Union Budget 2026–27, which introduced seven high-speed rail corridors across major cities. (Image: AI-Representational)

Plans to expand India’s high-speed rail network may soon bring a major infrastructure boost to Karnataka, with a new proposal placing the spotlight on a potential corridor connecting Bengaluru, Belagavi and Mumbai. The proposed project, if approved, could significantly strengthen intercity travel while improving economic connectivity between southern and western India.

The development gained momentum after Belagavi Lok Sabha MP Jagadish Shettar held discussions with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw regarding several railway infrastructure proposals for the district.

During the meeting, the MP urged the central government to consider adding the Bengaluru-Belagavi-Mumbai route as the country’s eighth high-speed rail corridor. The proposal follows the announcement made in the Union Budget 2026–27, which introduced seven high-speed rail corridors across major cities. According to Shettar, extending such a corridor through Belagavi could play a crucial role in accelerating socio-economic development, particularly for smaller towns and semi-urban centres located along the route.

Apart from the high-speed rail proposal, discussions also focused on improving conventional railway infrastructure in the region. A demand was placed for constructing a new railway line connecting Bagalkot city through the Parakanatti-Gokak-Yadavada route.

The MP highlighted that the proposed stretch passes through regions that house several cement and sugar industries, making it strategically important for strengthening industrial logistics and improving passenger movement.

The meeting also addressed passenger convenience, particularly regarding the departure timing of the Vande Bharat Express service operating between Belagavi and Bengaluru. A request was submitted to revise the current departure time from 5:35 am to 6:15 am, with the aim of making the service more accessible and convenient for travellers.

According to officials, the Railway Minister responded positively to the proposals and assured that the requests would be reviewed and considered for implementation. Following this, Shettar also held discussions with the Railway Board leadership in New Delhi, where he sought approval to conduct a pre-survey for a proposed railway line connecting Lokapur, Ramdurga, Savadatti and Dharwad.

Local representatives believe that these discussions signal renewed focus on improving rail connectivity in Belagavi district. If the proposals move forward, they could contribute significantly to regional infrastructure development, enhance transport efficiency and support long-term economic growth across the region.

During the meeting, the MP urged the central government to consider adding the Bengaluru-Belagavi-Mumbai route as the country’s eighth high-speed rail corridor. The proposal follows the announcement made in the Union Budget 2026–27, which introduced seven high-speed rail corridors across major cities. According to Shettar, extending such a corridor through Belagavi could play a crucial role in accelerating socio-economic development, particularly for smaller towns and semi-urban centres located along the route.

Apart from the high-speed rail proposal, discussions also focused on improving conventional railway infrastructure in the region. A demand was placed for constructing a new railway line connecting Bagalkot city through the Parakanatti-Gokak-Yadavada route.

The MP highlighted that the proposed stretch passes through regions that house several cement and sugar industries, making it strategically important for strengthening industrial logistics and improving passenger movement.

The meeting also addressed passenger convenience, particularly regarding the departure timing of the Vande Bharat Express service operating between Belagavi and Bengaluru. A request was submitted to revise the current departure time from 5:35 am to 6:15 am, with the aim of making the service more accessible and convenient for travellers.

According to officials, the Railway Minister responded positively to the proposals and assured that the requests would be reviewed and considered for implementation. Following this, Shettar also held discussions with the Railway Board leadership in New Delhi, where he sought approval to conduct a pre-survey for a proposed railway line connecting Lokapur, Ramdurga, Savadatti and Dharwad.

Local representatives believe that these discussions signal renewed focus on improving rail connectivity in Belagavi district. If the proposals move forward, they could contribute significantly to regional infrastructure development, enhance transport efficiency and support long-term economic growth across the region.

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