Karnataka Receives Boost in Railway Funding Under Modi Government
Central ministers praise railway infrastructure improvements in Karnataka, highlighting increased funding and new services.
Bengaluru, November 1 (Daily Kiran) : Central ministers gathered in Bengaluru on November 1 to celebrate the launch of the Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Service and to commend the railway infrastructure advancements under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. They highlighted the increased funding for Karnataka, the expansion of Vande Bharat services, and the completion of long-pending projects.
During the inauguration, Union Education Minister Prahlad Joshi noted the significant changes since Modi took office. He recalled a time when bomb blasts and terrorist attacks were common, contrasting it with the current government’s strong stance against terrorism and Maoism. “Before, there was chaos everywhere. Now, under PM Modi’s leadership, Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is introducing bullet trains,” Joshi stated, emphasizing the government’s efforts to restore peace.
On the occasion of the Kannada Rajyotsava, Joshi announced three major railway connectivity projects for northern Karnataka. He reminded attendees that Modi had tasked the Ministry of Railways with improving the declining share of railways in the country’s transport sector.
Reflecting on funding, Joshi revealed that Karnataka received only ₹700 crore for railway development in 2008. In contrast, the state now benefits from ₹7,000 to ₹8,000 crore annually, a substantial increase since the NDA government took over. The allocation rose from about ₹1,000 crore in 2014-15 to current levels.
Joshi also highlighted the implementation of safety measures like the ‘Kavach’ system, which has reduced railway accidents from 134 to just 16. Minister Vaishnaw has set ambitious goals for ‘zero accidents’ and ‘zero errors.’ Over 150 Vande Bharat trains are now operational, with the sleeper service capable of speeds up to 180 km/h—a design so stable that a glass of water remains undisturbed during travel.
H.D. Kumaraswamy, Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel, noted that railway projects are a priority in cabinet discussions, with regular reviews of their progress. He praised Vaishnaw for the Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Service and expressed optimism about future connections, including the proposed Bengaluru-Mangaluru service and high-speed rail between Bengaluru and Pune.
Kumaraswamy also mentioned that millions from West Bengal, Bihar, and Assam living in Bengaluru will benefit from enhanced railway services.
