In a major boost to rail connectivity between Karnataka and Maharashtra, the Ministry of Railways has approved the introduction of a new bi-weekly express train service between Bengaluru and Mumbai.
The new service will connect key cities including Hubballi-Dharwad, Belagavi, Pune and Mumbai, addressing the growing travel demand on this important corridor.
According to a press release issued by South Western Railway, an inaugural one-way special train, Train No. 06557 SMVT Bengaluru – Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Inaugural Special, will operate on May 17, 2026. The special train will depart from Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) Bengaluru at 10:00 AM and reach Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Mumbai at 10:30 AM the following day.
The inaugural special train will halt at Davangere, SSS Hubballi, Dharwad, Belagavi, Miraj, Sangli, Karad, Satara, Lonand, Pune, Lonavala, Karjat, Kalyan and Thane stations en route.
Regular services of Train No. 16553/16554 SMVT Bengaluru – Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Bi-Weekly Express will commence from Bengaluru on May 23, 2026, and from Mumbai on May 24, 2026.
Train No. 16553 SMVT Bengaluru – Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Express will depart from SMVT Bengaluru at 8:35 PM every Saturday and Tuesday, arriving at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus at 8:40 PM on Sunday and Wednesday respectively.
In the return direction, Train No. 16554 Lokmanya Tilak Terminus – SMVT Bengaluru Express will leave Mumbai at 11:15 PM every Sunday and Wednesday and reach Bengaluru at 10:30 PM on Monday and Thursday.
The train will stop at Davangere, SSS Hubballi, Dharwad, Belagavi, Miraj Junction, Sangli, Karad, Satara, Lonand, Pune, Lonavala, Karjat, Kalyan and Thane stations in both directions.
The newly introduced express service will comprise 17 modern LHB coaches, including one AC 2-Tier coach, four AC 3-Tier coaches, six Sleeper Class coaches, four General Second Class coaches, one Divyangjan-friendly luggage-cum-brake van and one luggage-cum-generator car.
Railway officials stated that the new service is expected to significantly benefit passengers travelling for business, education, tourism and employment between Bengaluru, North Karnataka and the Mumbai metropolitan region. The train is also expected to improve accessibility to several important commercial and cultural centres along the route.
Passengers can check detailed timings, stoppages and reservation information through the official Indian Railways website, NTES portal or at nearby railway stations.
The announcement was made by Dr. Manjunath Kanamadi, Chief Public Relations Officer, South Western Railway, Hubballi.
