A Timely Addition for the Festive Season
The Mumbai-Bengaluru corridor is one of the most high-demand travel routes in the country, connecting two major economic centres. Existing train services are often fully booked weeks or even months in advance, especially during peak travel periods. Recognizing
this surge, Central Railway has announced this special service specifically to cater to the increased passenger demand during the upcoming festival season, which includes Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath. The new service will operate between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai and Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) in Bengaluru, providing much-needed capacity. The service will consist of seven trips in each direction, running from mid-October to late November 2026.
The All-Important Schedule
To plan your journey effectively, noting the specific schedule is crucial. The service operates under two train numbers, one for each direction. From Mumbai to Bengaluru, Train No. 01013 will depart from CSMT Mumbai at 12:35 AM every Saturday, starting from October 10 and running until November 21, 2026. It is scheduled to arrive at SMVT Bengaluru at 11:55 PM on the same day, making the total journey time approximately 23 hours and 20 minutes. For the return journey, Train No. 01014 will depart from SMVT Bengaluru at 4:30 AM every Sunday, from October 11 to November 22, 2026. It will reach CSMT Mumbai at 4:05 AM the following day. This schedule provides a convenient overnight option for travellers heading back to Mumbai.
Route and Key Halts
One of the major advantages of this new special train is its extensive list of stoppages, which provides connectivity to several key towns and cities across Maharashtra and Karnataka. The train will make 24 designated halts in both directions. Key stops include Dadar, Thane, and Kalyan in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, followed by major Maharashtrian cities like Lonavala, Pune, Satara, Karad, Sangli, and Miraj. Upon entering Karnataka, the train will stop at Belagavi, Londa, Dharwad, SSS Hubballi, Davangere, and Arsikere before its final stops at Tumakuru and SMVT Bengaluru. This extensive route makes the service a valuable option not just for end-to-end travellers, but also for those journeying between these intermediate stations.
Coach Composition and Onboard Comfort
The weekly special is designed to be a comfortable, all-AC service, suitable for long-distance overnight travel. The train will consist of 22 coaches in total. This includes two AC 2-Tier coaches and a significant 18 AC 3-Tier coaches, catering to a wide range of passengers looking for air-conditioned comfort. The rake will also include two luggage-cum-guard-cum-generator vans. The emphasis on AC 3-Tier coaches reflects the high demand for affordable yet comfortable travel options on this popular route. Passengers can expect standard amenities provided in these classes, ensuring a pleasant journey.
How to Book Your Tickets
Bookings for these special trains are handled through the standard Indian Railways channels. Prospective travellers can book their tickets online via the official IRCTC website or mobile app, which is the most convenient method. Alternatively, tickets can also be purchased in person at any Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counter at railway stations across the country. Given that this is a special service announced for a limited period to handle festive demand, it is highly advisable to book tickets as early as possible once bookings open. Travellers can also check for last-minute availability through the Tatkal quota, which typically opens one day before the date of departure.
