India, May 10 -- In a major boost to rail connectivity between north Karnataka and Bengaluru, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has approved the launch of a new Vande Bharat Express between Belagavi and Bengaluru. Dispelling earlier speculation, the new train will not be an extension of the existing Bengaluru-Hubballi-Dharwad Vande Bharat service.

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar confirmed the development, highlighting that the demand for a high-speed rail link from Belagavi to the state capital has finally been addressed. For months, there were reports suggesting that the existing Vande Bharat running between Bengaluru and Dharwad might be extended to Belagavi. However, due to concerns over inconven...