Across the rails, speed and convenience chase the horizon, shaping journeys before they even begin.
Plans for a Faster Bengaluru-Mumbai Link
The Indian Railways is reportedly planning a Duronto Express connecting Bengaluru and Mumbai, targeting an 18-hour journey, sources say. This comes shortly after the Railway Board approved a bi-weekly “superfast” train between the two cities, covering the 1,209-km route in about 24 hours—slower than the existing Udyan Express. The service, notified on December 9, 2025, will operate as train 16553/16554 SMVT Bengaluru-LTT Mumbai-SMVT Bengaluru.
Under the proposed schedule, train 16553 would depart SMVT Bengaluru at 8.35 pm on Saturdays and Tuesdays, arriving at LTT Mumbai at 8.40 pm the next day. The return service, 16554, would leave LTT Mumbai at 11.15 pm on Sundays and Wednesdays, reaching SMVT Bengaluru at 10.30 pm. The train will have 14 stoppages, including Hubballi and Pune, and run with 17 LHB coaches, with primary maintenance at SMVT Bengaluru. Despite the announcement, the long travel time has drawn criticism from passengers and experts.
Duronto Express Proposal and Public Expectations
Sources indicate that the Railway Board is considering a Duronto Express between KSR Bengaluru and CSMT Mumbai via Tumakuru, Davangere, Hubballi, Belagavi, Miraj, and Pune. Two rakes are proposed, with primary maintenance at KSR Bengaluru. Tentative timings suggest departure from KSR Bengaluru at 4.30 pm, reaching CSMT Mumbai at 10.30 am the next day; the return train would leave Mumbai at 3 pm, arriving Bengaluru at 9.30 am.
Ashutosh Kumar Singh, Divisional Railway Manager, Bengaluru, clarified that there has been no official communication regarding the Duronto, and the bi-weekly “superfast” service could still be launched later this month. Passenger representatives, including Prakash Mandoth and K N Krishna Prasad, emphasised the need for a “truly superfast” and affordable option for the route. Duronto Express trains include onboard meals and dynamic fares, with a 3AC berth between Bengaluru and Mumbai expected to cost around Rs 2,500.
On these tracks, every minute saved becomes a promise of horizons closer than before.
Summary
The Indian Railways is planning a Duronto Express between Bengaluru and Mumbai, targeting an 18-hour journey. This follows approval of a slower bi-weekly “superfast” service covering the route in 24 hours. Proposed stops include Tumakuru, Hubballi, Pune, and Belagavi. Duronto fares include meals, with a 3AC berth expected at Rs 2,500. Officials say the original service may still launch.
