India has been witnessing the steady expansion of its superfast train network in recent years. In a major development, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has confirmed plans for a new superfast train service connecting Bengaluru and Mumbai via Hubballi. This service will reduce the travel time between the two cities from 23 hours to just 18 hours, offering passengers a faster and more comfortable journey.
According to reports, the proposed train will run through Davangere, Hubballi, and Belagavi. There has been a demand for a train passing through Hubballi for over a decade, as this route would cover a larger part of Karnataka and improve regional connectivity. At present, the Udyan Express is the only dedicated train operating between Bengaluru and Mumbai. It takes around 23 hours and is often heavily booked, requiring passengers to reserve tickets well in advance.
The upcoming superfast train is likely to start from Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) in Bengaluru and end at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai, according to reports.
The proposed Bengaluru–Mumbai superfast train will take the Hubballi route, covering approximately 1,227 kilometres—slightly longer than the 1,136-kilometre Guntakal route currently in use. Despite the additional distance, railway officials remain confident that the journey can be completed in around 18 hours.
The introduction of the new Bengaluru–Mumbai superfast train marks a major leap in enhancing connectivity between the two cities. Designed to cut travel time by around five hours, the service aims to make the journey smoother, faster, and more convenient for passengers traveling between the two economic powerhouses.
While the starting station in Bengaluru is yet to be finalised, plans are also underway to introduce new dedicated train services from Bengaluru to Delhi and Patna. These initiatives come in response to the growing passenger demand and the heavy bookings on existing special trains, reflecting Indian Railways’ broader effort to improve connectivity and travel efficiency across major routes.
Until now, the Udyan Express has been the sole direct train connecting Bengaluru and Mumbai. Covering approximately 1,136 kilometres, it currently takes nearly 23 hours and 35 minutes to complete the trip. The route passes through Doddaballapur, Guntakal, Raichur, Yadgir, Kalaburagi, and Solapur, with 32 stops in one direction and 31 on the return journey. The new superfast service will significantly improve on this, reducing travel time and offering a modern, efficient alternative for commuters and business travelers alike.
What is the new Bengaluru–Mumbai superfast train?
It is an upcoming train service planned to run between Bengaluru and Mumbai via Hubballi, aimed at reducing travel time and providing a faster, more comfortable option compared to the existing Udyan Express.
How much time will the new train save?
The journey, which currently takes around 23 hours and 35 minutes on the Udyan Express, will be reduced to approximately 18 hours with the new superfast train.
Which route will the train take?
According to reports, the train will run via Davangere, Hubballi, and Belagavi, covering about 1,227 kilometres, slightly longer than the Guntakal route used by the Udyan Express.
What are the departure and arrival stations?
The train is expected to start from Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) in Bengaluru and terminate at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai. The final schedule is yet to be confirmed.
Are there plans for other new trains from Bengaluru?
Yes, Indian Railways is also planning dedicated train services from Bengaluru to Delhi and Patna to meet growing passenger demand on existing special services.
