New Delhi/Bengaluru, April 13 (NationPress) The Central government has given the green light for a new Vande Bharat sleeper train service connecting Bengaluru and Mumbai, following a request from Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi, as stated in an official announcement on Monday.

Union Minister Joshi emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that the Central government is prioritizing the development of the Kalyana Karnataka region alongside the overall growth of the state.

He pointed out that this new train service will enhance commercial activities and facilitate better transportation options throughout Karnataka.

Joshi also expressed his thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for their support in approving this project.

According to the announcement, Joshi had requested the introduction of a new Vande Bharat train to strengthen connectivity in the North Karnataka, Central Karnataka, and Kalyana Karnataka areas.

In response to Joshi's appeal, the Centre has now authorized the operation of the Bengaluru–Mumbai Vande Bharat sleeper train via the Kalyana Karnataka route.

The planned train will travel from KSR Bengaluru Railway Station to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai, passing through significant areas of Karnataka.

The route is anticipated to include stops at Tumakuru, Davanagere, Haveri, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Belagavi, thereby improving connectivity between Bengaluru and the commercial center of Mumbai.

Initially, Union Minister Joshi proposed a Bengaluru–Mumbai superfast train along this route, with the intention of upgrading it to a sleeper service in the future.

Railway Minister Vaishnaw has given his approval to this proposal.

Details regarding the route, stops, travel duration, and launch date will be announced shortly.

Earlier, Union Minister Vaishnaw informed Bengaluru Central MP P.C. Mohan about this development.

BJP National Yuva Morcha President and Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya remarked on social media platform X on Monday, "Bengaluru and Mumbai are among the most vital growth engines of India. They deserve optimal connectivity, which is being realized through the approval of the Vande Bharat sleeper train between these cities."

Surya also mentioned that the Railway Board Chairman informed him in a phone call that new railway coaches are being prepared, with a target to commence service by the end of July.

This long-awaited addition will significantly benefit the workforce of both cities, as noted by the BJP MP.

"A huge thanks to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State V. Somanna for their unwavering support. Prime Minister Modi's government prioritizes delivery and adopts a citizen-first approach," Surya emphasized.

Currently, the Udyan Express serves as the primary connection between Mumbai and Bengaluru, covering a distance of 1,139 km in approximately 22 hours.

The introduction of the Vande Bharat train is expected to reduce travel time by nearly six hours.