In a significant boost to rail connectivity, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has flagged off a new weekly express train from Gwalior to Bengaluru. The launch was done via video conferencing, marking another milestone in India’s expanding rail network.
Train Schedule: Gwalior to Bengaluru and Back
The newly launched service follows this weekly schedule:
- Departs Gwalior: Every Friday at 3 pm
- Arrives in Bengaluru: Sunday at 7:35 am
- Return journey: Departs Bengaluru on Sunday at 3:50 pm
- Arrives in Gwalior: Tuesday at 10:25 am
The train will run with a total of 22 coaches, providing greater travel convenience for students, professionals, and families connecting between Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.
Madhya Pradesh’s Railway Transformation
During the launch, Vaishnaw highlighted the tremendous growth in railway investment in Madhya Pradesh:
- The state now receives Rs 14,745 crore, up from just Rs 600 crore a decade ago
- 100 per cent rail electrification has been achieved
- 2,651 km of new railway tracks have been added in 11 years – more than the entire rail network of Denmark
Major Projects Underway
Madhya Pradesh is undergoing massive railway redevelopment, including:
- 80 railway stations being modernised, including Gwalior with a unique architectural plan
- Upcoming Gwalior–Agra passenger train in planning
- Big-ticket infrastructure projects such as:
- Manmad–Indore new line: Rs 18,036 crore
- Bhusaval–Khandwa third/fourth lines: Rs 3,514 crore
- Ratlam–Nagda third/fourth lines: Rs 1,018 crore
Simhastha Kumbh Preparations in Ujjain
The Minister also confirmed that a master plan for Ujjain station redevelopment has been finalised. Construction will begin after the Simhastha Kumbh, ensuring zero disruption to pilgrims.
Conclusion: A Step Towards Better Connectivity
The new Gwalior–Bengaluru Express is more than just a train—it is a sign of India’s fast-evolving railway network. With continued investments and passenger-focused initiatives, rail travel is becoming more convenient, accessible, and future-ready across India.
