Bengaluru, Mysuru rail speed increased; travel time to drop to one hour
Mysuru: In a major boost to regional rail connectivity, Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna announced that the maximum speed of trains operating between Bengaluru and Mysuru has been increased from 110 kmph to 135 kmph. Addressing a press conference on Thursday, he said the move is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two cities to nearly one hour, enhancing commuter convenience and boosting economic activity along the corridor.
Somanna emphasized that the Central government is prioritizing the development of cities like Mysuru and Tumakuru as alternative growth hubs to Bengaluru. He revealed that two additional MEMU trains will soon be introduced on the Bengaluru–Mysuru route to cater to increasing passenger demand.
However, the minister criticized the state government for allegedly failing to extend necessary cooperation for railway projects, particularly in land acquisition. He alleged that several key infrastructure initiatives are facing delays due to lack of support from the state administration led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Highlighting a specific case, Somanna said a ₹1,200 crore railway project spanning 142 km from Bengaluru to Chamarajanagar via Kanakapura has been stalled after the state government reportedly declined support in December 2024. He further added that the Mysuru–Kushalnagar rail line project is also facing similar hurdles, though the Railways is determined to push forward.
The minister also launched a political attack, stating that despite presenting 17 state budgets, Siddaramaiah has failed to deliver substantial development. He alleged that the government’s guarantee schemes have adversely impacted infrastructure growth.
Providing an overview of railway expansion, Somanna said projects worth ₹52,000 crore are currently underway in Karnataka. Over the past decade, 1,750 km of new railway lines have been constructed, and 61 stations are being modernized under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme at a cost of ₹1,900 crore.
He also highlighted achievements such as the electrification of the 51-km Mangaluru–Kukke Subrahmanya route and plans to establish a mega coaching terminal with an investment of ₹6,000 crore. Additionally, around 707 new railway bridges are being constructed across the state, with full funding from the Centre.
Later, Somanna, along with Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy and Mysuru–Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, traveled on a special train from Bengaluru to Mysuru, inspecting eight stations and interacting with passengers to assess on-ground issues.
