Bengaluru-Pune HSR Corridor: Kumaraswamy, Joshi Meet Vaishnaw After Budget Omission

• Union Ministers HD Kumaraswamy and Pralhad Joshi met Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on February 4 after the Bengaluru-Pune high-speed rail corridor was excluded from the Union Budget.
• Kumaraswamy discussed the Bengaluru-Pune HSR, Bengaluru-Mumbai new railway connection, and railway safety measures to prevent animal accidents.
• Joshi requested the development of the Bengaluru-Pune HSR corridor, highlighting its potential for regional development in districts like Belagavi, Hubballi, and Tumakuru.
• Critics questioned why these meetings didn't occur before the budget and noted the absence of Union Minister of State for Railways V Somanna.
• The Union Budget 2026-27 proposed seven HSR corridors, including Bengaluru-Hyderabad and Bengaluru-Chennai, which Karnataka leaders argue offer limited benefits to the state compared to a Bengaluru-Pune link.