The Ministry of Railways in India is preparing to launch a new Vande Bharat Express train service connecting Mangaluru and Bengaluru, enhancing rail connectivity in Karnataka. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the upcoming launch during his visit to Bengaluru, stating that technical hurdles have been addressed, including the completion of electrification on the Hassan-Mangaluru section and the integration of Automated Emergency Braking (AEB) systems for safety on steep coastal gradients. Currently, there are 162 Vande Bharat Express trains operating across various routes in India. The service has seen a remarkable growth in passenger numbers, with 3.98 crore passengers recorded in FY 2025-26, up from 2.97 crore in the previous year. Since its inception, over 9.1 crore passengers have traveled on more than 1 lakh trips on the Vande Bharat Express. The trains are manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai and are equipped with modern amenities, safety features, and improved ride comfort, including the KAVACH safety system and enhanced fire safety measures.