Bengaluru, Feb 7 (NationPress) Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Saturday that a historic allocation of Rs 7,748 crore has been earmarked for railway initiatives in Karnataka, which is nearly nine times greater than what the previous Congress-led government had allocated, approximately Rs 800 crore.

This budgetary allocation aims to bolster railway infrastructure and improve connectivity in the state.

During a press briefing at the BJP office in Bengaluru, Minister Vaishnaw emphasized that the cumulative investment in railway infrastructure in Karnataka has soared to Rs 52,950 crore.

This extensive funding will facilitate the establishment of railway tracks, redevelopment of railway stations, enhancement of safety systems, and the Bengaluru suburban rail, alongside a myriad of other projects throughout Karnataka.

He elaborated that under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 61 stations in Karnataka are set for comprehensive redevelopment, with nine stations already completed, involving an investment of Rs 2,110 crore.

The Union Minister highlighted that Karnataka currently operates 12 pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains and revealed plans to introduce a new Vande Bharat service connecting Bengaluru and Mangaluru shortly.

He mentioned that the electrification of the Hassan–Mangaluru Ghat section and the Hassan–Bengaluru section has been finalized, with safety certifications in progress.

“Upon completing electrification, various tests including light engine and full train tests will be conducted. Following safety certification, we will finalize the timetable. This railway service will encompass the entire coastal region of Karnataka,” he stated.

Minister Vaishnaw also pointed out that two trains will operate along the coastal route—one traveling from the coast to Bengaluru and another from Bengaluru to the coast, due to the extensive length of the route.

He mentioned that this railway service will significantly enhance connectivity between Mangaluru, Hassan, and Bengaluru.

Additionally, he noted that southern Karnataka is already linked to railway services in Coimbatore and Ernakulam, while coastal and northern Karnataka will soon have better coverage, with further announcements expected.

Reaffirming the Centre's commitment, Minister Vaishnaw assured that railway services would soon reach nearly every corner of Karnataka.

“This is my commitment, and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union government has consistently fulfilled its promises,” he added.

He also announced that two major bullet train projects will commence from Bengaluru—linking Bengaluru to Chennai and Bengaluru to Hyderabad.

He explained that the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project was prioritized due to its technical complexities, which involve operations at speeds of up to 350 kmph.

“This initial project has equipped our engineers and workforce with invaluable expertise, enabling us to progress into the second phase with seven new bullet train projects approved,” he noted, adding that the 'Viksit Bharat' initiative aims to establish bullet train corridors spanning 7,000 km nationwide.

According to him, the Bengaluru–Chennai bullet train journey will only take 73 minutes, while the Hyderabad–Bengaluru journey will be completed in just two hours.

“This will create a high-speed travel network in South India,” the Union Minister affirmed.

Regarding the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project, he stated that Corridors Two and Four have made remarkable progress.

He underscored the importance of technical leadership at Rail Infrastructure Development Company (Karnataka) Limited, noting that the appointment of a Railway officer as Managing Director has expedited work across all four corridors.

He explained that designs have been finalized, tenders prepared, and approvals secured for the suburban rail system, more than half of which will be elevated.

“Railway stations such as Banaswadi, Hebbal, Huskur, Bellandur, and Yeshwantpur are advancing, and a dedicated casting yard has been established for Corridor Two of the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project to enhance construction speed,” he added.

Minister Vaishnaw also announced plans for a premium train service between Bengaluru and Mumbai soon.

In response to the Karnataka government's critique of the Union Budget, he expressed concern that political leaders with a short-term perspective view it merely as a “corporation budget.”

“The Union Budget emphasizes manufacturing, reforms, and inclusive growth. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty. This change is evident, contrasting with the Congress's reliance on political slogans,” he remarked.

“The Prime Minister prioritizes people over populism and reforms over quick fixes.”

He emphasized that the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has laid out a comprehensive roadmap for 2047, highlighting Karnataka as a significant beneficiary. He indicated that a premier company is establishing its facility in Bengaluru, set to employ 40,000 people, with many more ventures in the pipeline.

“Prime Minister Modi is committed to cooperative federalism. The states are the ultimate beneficiaries of the Union Budget,” he concluded.

“We share a common goal of serving the public. Our (BJP) MPs from Karnataka are collaborating with the Congress-led state government,” Union Minister Vaishnaw stated.