Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flags off Bengaluru Mumbai Express train to boost regional connectivity

BENGALURU, May 17 — Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the Bengaluru–Mumbai Express train, marking a significant step in strengthening rail connectivity between Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Speaking at the event, the minister announced that a premium Bengaluru–Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper service will also hit the tracks soon to offer passengers enhanced comfort on this busy route.

The rail infrastructure in the region is experiencing a massive upgrade under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with 61 stations undergoing comprehensive redevelopment at a total cost of ₹2,160 crore.

Out of these, nine station upgrades have already been completed. Key ongoing projects include the redevelopment of Bengaluru Cantonment station at an investment of ₹485 crore and Yeshwantpur station at a cost of ₹367 crore, reflecting the government’s focus on modernizing train travel infrastructure.