Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three new Vande Bharat Express trains from KSR Bengaluru railway station on 10 August, marking a significant step in enhancing India’s rail connectivity The Times of India+9NDTV Profit+9The Times of India+9.
Among these, the Bengaluru–Belagavi Vande Bharat Express (train numbers 26751/26752) stands out as a landmark addition to the Indian Railways network. The train connects Bengaluru—India’s bustling Silicon Valley—with Belagavi, known for its prestigious educational institutions and emerging industrial and medical centers Wikipedia+2NDTV Profit+2.
The new train covers the 611 km distance in just 8 hours 30 minutes, significantly reducing travel time by around 1 hour 20 minutes in one direction, and about 1 hour 40 minutes on the return journey, compared to existing services NDTV Profit+1.
Initially, the train began with a special inaugural run on 10 August. Regular commercial operations commenced from 11 August, operating six days a week and remaining closed on Wednesdays Hindustan TimesWikipedia.
Local support was overwhelmingly positive—the public greeted the arrival of the VB Express at Belagavi station with enthusiasm, with slogans of patriotic fervour, traditional performances, and a warm reception by dignitaries and railway officials Deccan Herald+6Wikipedia+6The Times of India+6.
