There is some good news for the people of Hubballi Dharwad and North Karnataka. Hubballi will soon get its 2nd Vande Bharat Express to Pune via Dharwad and Belagavi.
Union Minister and Dharwad MP Prahlad Joshi had written to the Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighting the need for Vande Bharat Express between Hubballi and Pune.
Hubballi Dharwad is a twin city and the second largest in Karnataka only after Bengaluru in terms of Population, Trade, Industries, and Education, and is also the fastest-growing city in Karnataka.
Hubballi Dharwad houses many Universities, Engineering and Medical colleges including institutes of national importance like IIT and IIIT. Dharwad district is called as Vidya Kashi.
Presently, almost all the trains operated by South Western Railway (SWR) between Hubballi Pune and Mumbai are full. The Vande Bharat Express will cater to passengers’ growing needs.
The timetable for the Vande Bharat Express between Hubballi and Pune has yet to be published. However, it is likely to depart Hubballi early in the morning from towards Pune.
Likely timetable (needs confirmation): Hubballi to Pune VB departs Hubballi at 5:00 AM and reaches Pune at 1:30 PM. It is likely to be operated with 8-Car Vande Bharat Express.
Expected stoppages: Hubballi, Dharwad, Belagavi, Miraj, Sangli, Satara and Pune. The train is likely to be maintained at Hubballi, the service will be daily except Monday.
In the return direction, Pune to Hubballi Vande Bharat Express departs Pune at 2:15 PM and reaches Hubballi Railway Station at 10:45 PM. The railway board is likely to announce the inaugural date soon.