Understanding the New Service
To cater to the increased demand for travel between Mumbai and Bengaluru, Central Railway has introduced a special weekly train service. This move is timed to handle the passenger surge expected during the Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath festivals. The
service will operate under train numbers 01013 from Mumbai to Bengaluru and 01014 for the return journey. This initiative will add a significant number of berths on one of the country's most popular routes, providing a much-needed option for commuters. The train will make seven trips in each direction between October and November 2026, offering a temporary but crucial link during this peak travel period.
Schedule: Mumbai to Bengaluru
The service from Mumbai, train number 01013, will depart from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) at 12:35 AM every Saturday. This means passengers will be boarding late on Friday night. The first service is scheduled to run on Saturday, October 10, 2026, and the last service will be on November 21, 2026. The train is expected to arrive at Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) in Bengaluru at 11:55 PM on the same day, making the total journey time approximately 23 hours and 20 minutes.
Schedule: Bengaluru to Mumbai
For the return leg, train number 01014 will depart from SMVT Bengaluru at 4:30 AM every Sunday. The first return service will commence on Sunday, October 11, 2026, with the final run scheduled for November 22, 2026. It is scheduled to arrive at CSMT in Mumbai at 4:05 AM the following day (Monday). This schedule provides a convenient overnight option for those looking to travel back to Mumbai after the weekend.
Route and Key Stoppages
The train will have 24 designated halts between the two capital cities, ensuring connectivity for passengers from several towns across Maharashtra and Karnataka. Some of the major stations on the route include Dadar, Thane, Kalyan, Lonavala, and Pune in Maharashtra. As it enters Karnataka, the train will stop at key locations such as Belagavi, Londa, Dharwad, SSS Hubballi, Davangere, Arsikere, and Tumakuru before reaching its final destination in Bengaluru. This extensive list of stops makes the service accessible to a wider range of travellers beyond just the origin and destination cities.
Coach Composition and Booking
The special train will consist of 22 coaches, designed to cater to passengers seeking comfortable, air-conditioned travel. The composition includes two AC 2-Tier coaches and a significant number of 18 AC 3-Tier coaches. The remaining two coaches will be Luggage-cum-Guard-cum-Generator Vans. Passengers planning to travel on this service are advised to book their tickets in advance, as demand is expected to be high. Bookings can be made through the official IRCTC website, the mobile app, or at computerised reservation counters. It's recommended to check the booking status for these special trains as soon as they are announced, typically opening a few weeks before the journey date.
