The Bangalore–Arsikere–Hubli line is a major railway line in the Indian state of Karnataka connecting state capital Bangalore with city of Hubli in north-central Karnataka. It traverses across Karnataka and links several cities of Karnataka, including Tumakuru, Davanagere, Haveri and Hubballi. Currently, 29 pairs of trains operate in this route, out of which 8 are daily services. Apart from this, this route also links Karnataka with other states, such as Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan. This route is also a major feeder line for iron ore, coal and steel hauling freight trains originating from Ballari district towards the Mangaluru port.
The maximum operating speed of this route is 100 km/h for passenger trains and 75 km/h for freight trains. The fastest passenger service in this line is Bengaluru–Hubli Jan Shatabdi Express, which covers the two cities in 7h 15m, at an average speed of 64 km/h.
Main line and branches
The main line which is of Bangalore–Arsikere–Hubli section is 469 km in length. this line has five branches
- First branch line which is from Chikkabanavara to Arsikere via Shravanabelagola Hassan is 211 km in length.
- Second branch line which is from Kadur to Chikkamagluru is 45 km in length.
- Third branch line which is from Birur to Talguppa is 160 km in length.
- Fourth branch line which is from Chickjajur to Bellary is 185 km in length.
- Fifth branch line which is from Davangere to Hosapet is 135 km in length.
Doubling and electrification
Indian railways intends to convert this line into a fully electrified double trunk route. As of December 2020, about 71% (337 km out of 469 km) of the route is doubled. This includes the stretch between Bengaluru–Nittur(96 km), Banasandra-Devaragudda (252 km). Recently, electrification of the route has been completed between Bengaluru–Tumakuru.