Bengaluru, April 25, 2026: In a major boost to India’s high-speed rail ambitions, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday said that travel time between Chennai and Bengaluru could drop to just 73 minutes, as he inaugurated ‘Aditya’, a dedicated high-speed rail manufacturing complex at BEML’s Tippasandra campus in Bengaluru.
Highlighting the transformative impact of high-speed rail, the Minister said such advancements would reshape urban mobility by bringing major cities closer, effectively turning them into extensions of one another and creating integrated economic hubs.
Boost to Intercity Connectivity
Focusing on strengthening key corridors, Vaishnaw announced:
- Introduction of a new Mail/Express train with LHB coaches via Hubballi to enhance Mumbai–Bengaluru connectivity
- Launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express in the near future
Mangaluru–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Soon
Addressing regional connectivity, the Minister confirmed that the Vande Bharat service between Mangaluru and Bengaluru will be launched shortly. He added that the plan includes linking Madgaon and other coastal Karnataka cities to ensure broader regional integration before rollout.
Technical Challenges Resolved
Vaishnaw noted that key infrastructure hurdles have been addressed, including:
- Completion of electrification on the Hassan–Mangaluru section
- Deployment of Automated Emergency Braking (AEB) systems to enhance safety in challenging coastal terrains
With these advancements in place, the upcoming services are expected to deliver faster, safer, and more efficient rail connectivity across the region.
The inauguration of the ‘Aditya’ complex marks a significant step in India’s journey towards indigenous high-speed rail manufacturing and next-generation transport infrastructure.
