Bengaluru: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday virtually flagged off the inaugural run of a new express train connecting Bengaluru and Mumbai, marking a major addition to rail connectivity between Karnataka and Maharashtra after more than three decades.
The new Train No. 16553/16554 SMVT Bengaluru–Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Bi-Weekly Express is expected to improve passenger movement on one of the country’s busiest inter-state routes.
Railway officials confirmed that regular services of the train will begin from May 23 from Bengaluru and May 24 from Mumbai.
New train to operate bi-weekly
The newly launched express train will operate twice a week between Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) Bengaluru and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus in Mumbai.
The total journey duration has been fixed at 24 hours and 5 minutes.
Railways have also approved an additional stoppage at Tumakuru station in both directions, providing improved connectivity for passengers from central Karnataka regions.
According to officials, the train will halt at several important stations including Tumakuru, Davangere, SSS Hubballi, Dharwad, Belagavi, Miraj Junction, Sangli, Karad, Satara, Lonand, Pune, Lonavala, Karjat, Kalyan and Thane before reaching Mumbai.
The service is expected to benefit business travellers, students, migrant workers and tourists frequently travelling between Bengaluru and Mumbai.
Vaishnaw hints at Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper
During the virtual inauguration, Vaishnaw described the new train as a significant step towards strengthening railway connectivity between Karnataka and Maharashtra.
He also announced that a Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express Sleeper service is expected to begin in the near future.
The minister said Indian Railways is continuing efforts to modernise rail infrastructure and improve long-distance travel experience across major economic corridors.
The proposed Vande Bharat Sleeper service is likely to reduce travel time between Bengaluru and Mumbai while offering upgraded passenger amenities.
Focus on Bengaluru suburban rail project
Vaishnaw also reviewed progress on the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project during the event.
He stated that work was progressing across all four suburban rail corridors planned for Bengaluru.
According to the minister, land acquisition has already been completed for the Baiyappanahalli–Chikkabanavara corridor and the Heelalige–Rajanukunte corridor.
The suburban railway project is expected to significantly improve urban mobility and reduce traffic congestion in Bengaluru once operational.
New railway maintenance facilities announced
The Railway Minister further announced infrastructure developments for maintenance of modern train services in Bengaluru.
A Vande Bharat Sleeper maintenance depot will reportedly be established at Thanisandra at an estimated cost of Rs 270 crore.
In addition, a chair car maintenance facility for trains at SMVT Bengaluru will be developed at a cost of Rs 52.73 crore.
Officials said the new facilities would strengthen Bengaluru’s role as a key railway operations and maintenance hub in southern India.
V Somanna welcomes new train service
Union Minister of State for Railways V Somanna thanked Vaishnaw for approving the new Bengaluru-Mumbai service.
He said the train would greatly benefit passengers travelling between the two major cities and contribute to Karnataka’s economic development.
According to Somanna, improved rail connectivity would also support industrial growth, tourism and commercial activity along the route.
Tejasvi Surya seeks high-speed rail corridor
Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya also participated virtually in the flag-off event and urged the Railway Ministry to sanction a high-speed rail corridor between Bengaluru and Mumbai.
He proposed that the corridor pass through Davangere and Hubballi, arguing that it would boost economic activity in central and north Karnataka.
Surya described Bengaluru and Mumbai as India’s two major economic centres and said improved rail connectivity between them could transform regional growth and business opportunities.
Conclusion
The launch of the new SMVT Bengaluru–Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Bi-Weekly Express marks another step in expanding rail infrastructure and connectivity between southern and western India. With future plans for Vande Bharat Sleeper services and suburban rail expansion, Indian Railways is aiming to improve travel efficiency while supporting economic growth across Karnataka and Maharashtra.