Union Railway, Information and Broadcasting and Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will be in Dakshina Kannada on Friday, 12 November 2026, to launch the new Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express and three long‑awaited railway projects.
The minister lands in Mangaluru on Thursday night and, early the next morning, will flag off the first Vande Bharat service at Mangaluru Junction railway station. Following the ceremony, he will tour the district, meet senior officials and review ongoing infrastructure work.
His agenda includes a 8:00 am visit to Mangaluru Central station for a progress review, a 10:30 am review meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office, and an 11:30 am programme at Mangaluru Junction. At noon, he will flag off the Vande Bharat Express in the presence of the Prime Minister via video link. The minister will then travel on the newly introduced train to Subrahmanya, reaching Kabaka Puttur station around 2:00 pm for a public interaction, before inspecting the upgraded Subrahmanya Road Amrit Bharat station.
The three projects slated for dedication are expected to boost connectivity, tourism and commerce. The semi‑high‑speed Vande Bharat service will cut travel time between Bengaluru and the coastal city, offering a faster, more comfortable option for business and leisure travellers. Completion of electrification on the challenging Sakleshpur–Subrahmanya Road stretch in the Western Ghats promises smoother operations, higher speeds and greater capacity. The Subrahmanya Road station, revamped under the Central Government’s Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, now features modern passenger amenities.
Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta and other local representatives will attend the events. After the station inspection, the minister will visit the historic Sri Mangaladevi Temple for prayers at around 4:00 pm, then depart for New Delhi from Mangaluru International Airport.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Mangalore Today