India is on a significant path to enhance its railway infrastructure, aiming to increase both passenger and freight capacity. The government’s vision includes laying new tracks and introducing semi-high-speed trains along with high-speed rail (HSR) corridors, commonly known as bullet trains.
As part of this ambitious plan, there is an urgent need to prioritize a high-speed rail corridor connecting Bengaluru to Pune via Tumakuru, Davangere, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Belagavi in Karnataka. This proposal is not just about faster travel; it represents a strategic investment in the future of Karnataka’s hinterland.
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Despite the government’s plans to bolster track infrastructure for semi-high-speed trains and develop HSR on seven corridors, the railway route from Bengaluru to Pune through critical nodes like Miraj, Belagavi, and Hubballi has been overlooked for high-speed rail. This route is a strong contender for HSR due to its potential to drive economic growth and improve regional connectivity.
The Delhi-Mumbai Industrial corridor is being complemented by the Mumbai- Delhi Bullet train via Ahmedabad. Similar to that the Bengaluru – Mumbai Industrial Corridor can be complemented with a high speed corridor too.
Bengaluru, Pune and Mumbai as the economic & tech hubs of India need no introduction here. The very case that Bengaluru-Mumbai Industrial corridor and the Pune-Bengaluru Greenfield expressway were approved and are under implementation only reiterates the economic potential of the cities along this route.
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Catalysing T2 & T3 Cities of Karnataka
If sanctioned, the proposed Bengaluru-Pune high-speed rail corridor would pass through four out of six Smart Cities identified in Karnataka.
These cities- Tumakuru, Davangere, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Belagavi– are already experiencing significant urban development under the Smart City initiative. Each city serves as an industrial hub, hosting diverse ecosystems and playing a crucial role in the Bengaluru-Mumbai Industrial Corridor approved by the central government.
Despite the presence of numerous trains, buses, and flights, connectivity from these cities to Pune and Bengaluru remains inadequate. High-speed rail is essential to bridge this gap and catalyze further development in Karnataka’s hinterland.
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Tumakuru District to Benefit from High-Speed Rail Connectivity to Pune and Mumbai
Tumakuru, currently undergoing significant development under the Smart City scheme, is rapidly transforming into a key economic hub. The city is experiencing notable growth in business activities, supported by the establishment of various industrial parks.
These include the Tumakuru Industrial Township, part of the National Industrial Corridor Development plan, and the Tumakuru Machine Tool Park, developed by the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB). Additionally, the Japanese Industrial Township has further bolstered the region’s economic appeal by attracting foreign direct investment.
Tumakuru’s strategic importance is highlighted by its designation as a priority node within the Chennai Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC). Covering an area of 8,484 acres, the project is set to be developed in three phases, with the Hon’ble Prime Minister laying the foundation stone on February 6, 2023.
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High Speed Rail is a must through the Hubballi-Dharwad-Belagavi Cluster
The region encompassing Hubballi-Dharwad and Belagavi is the Karnataka’s next economic growth engine. Hubballi, identified by Deloitte as one of India’s emerging tech hubs, boasts a robust industrial base including the automotive and engineering goods sectors. Its twin city, Dharwad, has a longstanding industrial legacy with major players like Tata Motors and Hitachi.
The government is developing a mega industrial hub in Dharwad, covering approximately 6500+ acres as part of the Bengaluru-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, tenders are invited already, thus highlighting the region’s potential. The Dharwad Node connects with the Mormugao Port by road and rail.
Belagavi, home to India’s first aerospace SEZ—Aequs—further exemplifies the industrial capacity of the region. As Arvind Melligeri, the founder of Aequs, notes, “Every airliner has some part made in India, in Belagavi.” The city’s contribution to the global aerospace supply chain underscores the need for enhanced connectivity. The city is home to various foundaries and engineering service firms too.
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Both Hubballi and Belagavi also host significant engineering educational institutions, including IIT Dharwad, IIIT Dharwad, University of Agricultural Sciences Dharwad, Karnataka State Law University, Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) Belagavi and Karnatak University Dharwad, which attract students and professionals from across the country.
The presence of vibrant air connectivity from these cities, each with its own airport despite their proximity, is unique in India and demonstrates their strategic importance.
The above points are just the few listed out but there are numerous positives about the cluster in discussion here.
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Why not High-Speed Rail on the Bengaluru-Pune-Mumbai Industrial Corridor?
The question arises: why should the central government, which is investing heavily in the Bengaluru-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, overlook the opportunity to include a high-speed rail link alongside? The benefits of such a link are immense and would contribute to the corridor’s success.
High-speed rail would not only shorten travel times but also promote economic growth by facilitating faster movement of people and goods. It would strengthen business linkages, enhance investment attractiveness, and support the overall development of Karnataka’s hinterland. By connecting major industrial hubs directly to Bengaluru and beyond, the region could integrate more effectively into national and global markets.
All stakeholders, the Member of Parliaments, District in-charge Ministers, Industry bodies etc. must impress upon the central government to include the Bengaluru-Pune-Mumbai High speed rail corridor in their plan.
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