In a major boost for rail passengers, Bengaluru and Mumbai are finally getting a second direct train service after nearly 30 years 🚆⚡.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw virtually flagged off the new SMVT Bengaluru–Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Express from Bengaluru on Sunday.
The newly introduced service will operate as a bi-weekly express train between the two major metro cities 🏙️.
According to railway officials:
- The train will depart from Bengaluru’s SMVT station at 8:35 PM every Saturday and Tuesday 🚆
- It will reach Mumbai at 8:40 PM the following day
- The return journey from Mumbai will begin at 11:15 PM on Sundays and Wednesdays
- The train will arrive back in Bengaluru at 10:30 PM
The full journey is expected to take around 24 hours ⏱️.
Major Stops On The Route 🚉
The new train will stop at several important stations including:
- Davanagere
- Hubballi
- Dharwad
- Belagavi
- Pune
- Lonavala
- Kalyan
- Thane
This is expected to improve travel convenience for thousands of passengers travelling between Karnataka and Maharashtra every week 🚆.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Update 🚄🔥
During the launch event, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also revealed that a Vande Bharat Sleeper train between Bengaluru and Mumbai is expected soon ⚡.
The announcement has excited passengers who have long demanded a faster and more premium rail service between the two cities.
Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project Update 🚉
Vaishnaw also shared updates on the ongoing Bengaluru Suburban Railway project.
He said the suburban rail network will connect major areas such as:
- ✈️ Airport
- 💻 Electronic City
- 📍 Marathahalli
- 🏙️ Hebbal
According to him, land acquisition work for multiple corridors has already been completed and station construction work is progressing rapidly ⚡.
Tunnel Roads Criticised 🚧
The Railway Minister also indirectly criticised Bengaluru’s proposed tunnel road projects 👀.
He said Bengaluru requires practical rail-based transport solutions rather than expensive tunnel infrastructure.
“Bengaluru needs realistic and practical transportation solutions, not digging tunnels,” Vaishnaw said.
Demand For High-Speed Rail ⚡🚄
Bangalore South MP Tejasvi Surya also requested the railway ministry to consider a future high-speed rail corridor between Bengaluru and Mumbai.
According to him, such a project could significantly boost economic growth across central and northern Karnataka 📈.
Key Highlights ⚡
- ✅ Bengaluru-Mumbai gets 2nd direct train after 30 years 🚆
- ✅ New bi-weekly express service launched 🔥
- ✅ Journey duration around 24 hours ⏱️
- ✅ Vande Bharat Sleeper service expected soon 🚄
- ✅ Bengaluru suburban railway project progressing ⚡
- ✅ Calls for future high-speed rail corridor 📈
