In a major infrastructure boost, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that a new superfast train service will soon connect Bengaluru and Mumbai. The decision comes after more than 40 years of public demand for a faster rail link between the two metropolitan cities.
Sharing the news in a video posted by MP Tejasvi Surya, Vaishnaw said, “We are increasing capacities in large cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai. Very soon, we will start a superfast train between them.”
Udyan Express to Get a Faster Successor
Currently, the Udyan Express — the only major dedicated train between the two cities — takes over 21 hours to cover the 1,139 km journey, averaging just about 50 km/h with over 30 stops. Despite growing demand, travel times have remained largely unchanged since the train’s introduction in 1983, forcing many travelers to rely on expensive flights and long bus journeys.
Expected Travel Time Cut to 14–15 Hours
The proposed superfast train aims to slash the travel time to approximately 14–15 hours, making it a far more competitive option. According to trade activist Sajjan Raj Mehta, the move will “improve connectivity, boost tourism, and support trade” between the two key economic hubs.
MP Tejasvi Surya, who has repeatedly raised the issue in Parliament and with the Railway Board, said the increased track capacity at both cities now makes such a service feasible.
Awaiting Official Details
While the announcement has generated significant excitement, the Railway Board has not yet issued an official notice. Key details — such as the train’s route, stops, schedule, and whether it will be a Vande Bharat service — are still under review. Officials noted that superfast classification requires an average speed of at least 55 km/h, with fewer halts being crucial to achieving shorter journey times.
