Bengaluru: Indian Railways is launching a new bi-weekly express train service to improve connectivity between Bengaluru and Mumbai, running twice a week. The service will begin on May 23, providing convenience to passengers. The train will be operated by theSouth Western Railway (SWR). It will provide a new and better travel option for commuters, businesspeople, and long-distance travelers traveling between Karnataka and Maharashtra.
According to railway officials, the new train will run twice a week between Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal Bengaluru (SMVT Bengaluru) and Mumbai’s Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT). The decision was taken following increasing passenger traffic and repeated requests for additional train services on the Bengaluru–Mumbai corridor, one of the busiest railway routes in southern and western India.
Railway authorities stated that the new service is intended to reduce waiting lists on existing trains and improve convenience for passengers travelling for work, education, healthcare and tourism purposes. Officials also said the introduction of the train forms part of broader efforts to strengthen inter-city rail connectivity and manage rising travel demand during weekends and holiday periods.
Timings and Route Details
As per the schedule released by the South Western Railway, the train from SMVT Bengaluru will depart every Friday and Sunday, while the return service from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus in Mumbai will operate on Saturday and Monday.
The train is expected to pass through several major stations including Tumakuru, Davanagere, Hubballi, Belagavi, Miraj and Pune, providing improved rail access for passengers travelling between Karnataka and Maharashtra. Railway officials said the service will include multiple travel classes, including sleeper and air-conditioned coaches, to accommodate different categories of passengers.
The South Western Railway confirmed that bookings for the service will be available through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website, railway reservation counters and authorised booking centres. Passengers have been advised to check updated schedules and seat availability before travel.
Travel Impact and Expected Benefits for Commuters
The introduction of the new train is expected to ease pressure on existing Bengaluru–Mumbai services, many of which regularly experience high occupancy levels and long waiting lists. Railway experts said the additional connectivity could improve travel flexibility for passengers and support economic movement between the two cities, which are major centres for information technology, finance, manufacturing and trade.
The Bengaluru–Mumbai route remains an important transportation corridor due to frequent movement of professionals, students and migrant workers. Improved rail connectivity is also expected to benefit regional cities along the route by providing better access to commercial and employment hubs.
Indian Railways has introduced new trains to ease passenger congestion. Railway officials stated that this new train service, which will begin on May 23rd, will be monitored to see if it runs on time and how much benefit passengers receive from it.
