The Vande Bharat Express is slated to begin operations on the Bengaluru-Mangaluru route, significantly reducing travel time from the current 9-10 hours to approximately 5 hours. This upgrade aims to enhance connectivity for commuters, business, and leisure travelers, benefiting districts like Tumakuru and Hassan. The launch is contingent on the completion of electrification work in the Sakaleshpura-Subrahmanya Road ghat section.