• Source:JND
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Vande Bharat Train: The Vande Bharat train service currently connecting Bengaluru and Dharwad in Karnataka might soon be extended to Belagavi. Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi announced that Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has responded positively to his proposal for this extension.

Joshi, along with Belagavi BJP MP Jagdish Shettar, met with Minister Vaishnaw in New Delhi to discuss the public demand for the train service to reach Belagavi. “We recently held a meeting in Hubballi with the General Manager of the South Western Zone of Railways and other senior officials to weigh the pros and cons of this extension,” Joshi explained.

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He expressed gratitude for the Railway Minister’s attention to the matter, stating, “Thanks to our ongoing efforts, the Union Railway Minister has acknowledged our request and is in favour of extending the Vande Bharat train to Belagavi soon.”

Joshi added that the schedule for the train will be finalised shortly, ensuring that the new service meets the needs of the public.

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In separate news, Indian Railways is set to introduce 24-car Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, with full-scale production expected to begin in 2026-27. In December 2024, the Railway Ministry placed an order for propulsion electrics for 50 rakes, awarding contracts to French manufacturer Alstom and Hyderabad-based Medha Servo Drives Pvt Ltd. Alstom will supply propulsion systems for 17 rakes, while Medha Servo will handle 33 rakes over the next two years.

Meanwhile, the first 16-car Vande Bharat Sleeper train successfully completed its trial run on January 15, 2025. The Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO) conducted a 540-km test between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The train was manufactured at Integral Coach Factory (ICF) Chennai, with production completed on December 17, 2024. The successful trial paves the way for further sleeper train expansions.