Karnataka Minister M B Patil
Credit: DH Photo/Krishnakumar P S.
Bengaluru: Industries and Infrastructure Minister M B Patil, on Wednesday, called for measures to reduce the train travel time between Bengaluru and Vijayapura from the current 14–15 hours to 10 hours.
He was chairing a review meeting with senior officials of the South Western Railway here.
Patil underscored the importance of improved connectivity and suggested that operating a few trains between Bengaluru and Vijayapura via the Hubballi–Gadag bypass route could substantially benefit commuters from Vijayapura and Bagalkot.
“Currently, trains on this route face delays due to the need for an engine change in Hubballi and Gadag. By rerouting trains through Hubballi South Station and utilising the Gadag bypass, these delays could be minimised, saving at least two hours of travel time,” he said, according to a statement from his office.
It said railway officials responded positively to the suggestion and promised that the matter would be taken up with higher authorities.
He discussed the ongoing Gadag–Vijayapura track doubling project, which, once completed, would pave the way for the introduction of the Vande Bharat express.