Pic: Minister of state for railways V Somanna and others had flagged off the stoppage of VB train at Mailara Mahadevappa railway station in Haveri in April 2025Haveri: The decision to include a halt for the Vande Bharat Express at Mailara Mahadevappa railway station in Haveri has significantly improved travel dynamics across North Karnataka. The move not only fulfilled the long-standing demand of the local community, but also provided faster and more efficient access to Bengaluru. Since the train began halting at Haveri on April 11, it has quickly become a go-to mode of transport due to its speed and comfort. In just four months, 1,937 passengers boarded the train from Haveri, generating a revenue of Rs 21.7 lakh for the railways. What started as curiosity about the new service has now evolved into a practical choice for those with urgent business in Bengaluru. Notably, 2199 passengers have arrived in Haveri from Bengaluru and Dharwad, underlining the train’s role in facilitating two-way connectivity and boosting the local economy. The railways anticipates that the revenue could exceed Rs 50 lakh in the coming months, considering the high number of arrivals. The train’s popularity is not limited to Haveri alone. Neighbouring Davanagere district has seen even greater success , with 16,874 passengers using the service between April and July, generating a substantial revenue of Rs 1.3 crore. This indicates the growing demand for efficient rail services in the region. The success of the Vande Bharat train in these districts underscores the importance of modern, fast, and reliable transportation in fostering regional development. It has not only made travel more accessible but also encouraged economic activities. The railways’ decision to include Haveri and Davanagere in the train’s route has proven to be a strategic win for both residents and the railways. “The Vande Bharat train has been receiving a good response from the commuters from Haveri,” said Mysuru division DRM Mudit Mittal.Jagadish Baseganni, a farmer and businessman from Haveri, echoed this sentiment, stating, “The Vande Bharat service is convenient for the people of Haveri district and Sirsi because we can reach Bengaluru in less time. Moreover, we have experienced a pleasant journey like a flight in Vande Bharat.”
