Bengaluru-Pune high-speed rail gains momentum, big boost expected for North Karnataka

Centre signals approval for Bengaluru-Pune high-speed rail

The possibility of a new high-speed rail corridor between Bengaluru and Pune has moved a step closer to reality, following sustained efforts by Karnataka’s Members of Parliament and a positive signal from the Union government.

In the backdrop of the Union Budget announcement of seven high-speed rail corridors across India.The proposal of a Bengaluru-Pune high speed rail has gained traction after senior Union Ministers from Karnataka took up the matter with the Railway Ministry.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has responded positively to the proposal following representations made on Wednesday by Union Food and Public Distribution Minister Pralhad Joshi and Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy. Both leaders met the Railway Minister separately and stressed the need for this corridor as a long-term infrastructure investment for Karnataka.

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According to the ministers, the proposed high-speed rail line would not only reduce travel time between Bengaluru and Pune, two major technology and industrial hubs, but also act as a development corridor for Central and North Karnataka. During discussions, they highlighted the benefits for districts such as Belagavi, Hubballi, Haveri, Davanagere, Chitradurga and Tumakuru, which are expected to gain better connectivity and economic opportunities.

Pralhad Joshi underlined that while the latest Union Budget focused on several important railway projects, a dedicated Bengaluru-Pune corridor is crucial for balanced regional development, especially for Karnataka’s northern belt. He noted that the project would strengthen business, education and logistics movement across the state and beyond.

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The proposed corridor is expected to significantly enhance inter-state connectivity between Karnataka and Maharashtra, unlocking economic potential not just for metropolitan cities but also for interior districts along the route. The central government’s positive response, Joshi said, marks an important step towards formalising the project.

Meanwhile, a statement from HD Kumaraswamy’s office also revealed plans to introduce a new Bengaluru-Mumbai train service, further reinforcing rail connectivity between the two states.

ಕೇಂದ್ರದ ರೈಲ್ವೆ, ಎಲೆಕ್ಟ್ರಾನಿಕ್ಸ್ ಮತ್ತು ಮಾಹಿತಿ ತಂತ್ರಜ್ಞಾನ, ಮಾಹಿತಿ ಪ್ರಸಾರ ಖಾತೆ ಸಚಿವರಾದ ಶ್ರೀ @AshwiniVaishnaw ಅವರನ್ನು ಭೇಟಿಯಾಗಿ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕಕ್ಕೆ ಸಂಬಂಧಿಸಿದ ಪ್ರಮುಖ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿ ವಿಷಯಗಳ ಕುರಿತು ವಿಸ್ತೃತವಾಗಿ ಚರ್ಚೆ ನಡೆಸಲಾಯಿತು.

ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು-ಪುಣೆ ಹೈ-ಸ್ಪೀಡ್ ರೈಲು ಕಾರಿಡಾರ್, ಪ್ರಸ್ತಾವಿತ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು-ಮುಂಬಯಿ ಹೊಸ… pic.twitter.com/klnLoM0tG5

— ಹೆಚ್.ಡಿ.ಕುಮಾರಸ್ವಾಮಿ | HD Kumaraswamy (@hd_kumaraswamy) February 4, 2026