Indian Railways has introduced a new bi-weekly express train service between Bengaluru and Mumbai to improve connectivity between Karnataka and Maharashtra. Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw virtually flagged off the special one-way service on May 17, 2026. This new service aims to help passengers traveling for business, education, and tourism.
What are the timings and schedule of the new express train?
The SMVT Bengaluru-Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Express (Train No. 16553/16554) will operate twice a week. Regular services from Bengaluru start on May 23, 2026, and from Mumbai on May 24, 2026. The train covers a distance of 1210 km in about 24 hours and 5 minutes.
| Direction | Train No. | Departure Day & Time | Arrival Day & Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bengaluru to Mumbai | 16553 | Tue & Sat (8:35 PM) | Wed & Sun (8:40 PM) |
| Mumbai to Bengaluru | 16554 | Sun & Wed (11:15 PM) | Mon & Thu (10:30 PM) |
Which stations are covered and what are the fares?
The train will stop at 15 major stations including Tumakuru, Davangere, Hubballi, Dharwad, Belagavi, Miraj, Sangli, Satara, Pune, Lonavala, Karjat, Kalyan, and Thane. It features 17 modern LHB coaches including AC 2-tier, AC 3-tier, Sleeper, and General coaches.
- Sleeper Class: ₹750 (Approx)
- AC 3-Tier: ₹1,880 (Approx)
- AC 2-Tier: ₹2,575 (Approx)
Will there be a Vande Bharat Sleeper on this route?
Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that a Vande Bharat Sleeper service is expected to start between Bengaluru and Mumbai soon. This new service may run via Kalaburagi-Solapur and is expected to reduce the travel time from 21 hours to approximately 15-17 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the frequency of the SMVT Bengaluru-LTT Express?
The train operates as a bi-weekly service, meaning it runs twice a week from both Bengaluru and Mumbai.
How much time will the train take to reach Mumbai from Bengaluru?
The train will cover the distance of 1210 km in approximately 24 hours and 5 minutes.