A Timely Festive Connection
Indian Railways has announced a new weekly special train service to operate between Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Bengaluru's Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT). This initiative by Central Railway is part of a broader plan
to run 418 special services to accommodate the anticipated increase in travel during the upcoming Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath festivals. The new AC special train is designed to provide a much-needed direct link between the two major metropolitan hubs, addressing long-standing demands for better connectivity. The service will make seven trips in each direction, running from mid-October to late November 2026.
Route and Schedule Details
The journey between the two state capitals is extensive, covering the distance in approximately 23 hours and 20 minutes. Train number 01013 will depart from CSMT Mumbai every Saturday at 12:35 a.m., from October 10 to November 21, arriving at SMVT Bengaluru at 11:55 p.m. the same day. In the return direction, train number 01014 will leave SMVT Bengaluru every Sunday at 4:30 a.m., from October 11 to November 22, and reach CSMT Mumbai at 4:05 a.m. the following day. The route includes 24 stops, ensuring connectivity for many towns and cities across both states. Key halts include Dadar, Thane, Kalyan, Pune, Satara, and Miraj in Maharashtra, and Belagavi, Dharwad, SSS Hubballi, Davangere, and Tumakuru in Karnataka.
Coach Composition and Amenities
This special service is an all-AC train, designed for comfortable long-distance travel. The train is composed of 22 coaches in total. This includes two AC 2-Tier coaches and a significant number of 18 AC 3-Tier coaches, providing ample capacity for passengers. The formation is completed with two Luggage-cum-Guard-cum-Generator Vans. As a fully air-conditioned service, it offers a more comfortable alternative for the nearly day-long journey, especially during a typically busy and warm travel season. Passengers are advised to check for onboard catering services at the time of booking, as is standard with special train services.
How to Book Your Tickets
Bookings for these special festive trains are being opened in a phased manner. According to Central Railway, reservations for several services commenced on September 27, with the remainder opening on September 28. Passengers can book their tickets through the official IRCTC website, the RailOne app, or at any computerized reservation center. Given the high demand expected during the festival period, travelers are encouraged to book their tickets well in advance to secure their travel plans. This additional service is a welcome move for the thousands who travel between these two vital economic and cultural centers for work, education, and family visits.
Boosting Regional Connectivity
The introduction of the Mumbai-Bengaluru special train is a significant step in enhancing the rail network between western and southern India. For years, passengers have relied on a limited number of direct trains, often facing long waitlists. This service not only provides immediate relief for the festival season but also serves key commercial and educational hubs like Pune, Belagavi, and Hubballi. The extensive list of stoppages will benefit passengers from numerous smaller towns who previously had to make multiple changes to complete their journey. The move has been widely welcomed as it is expected to facilitate easier travel for business, tourism, and personal reasons, strengthening the economic and social ties between Maharashtra and Karnataka.
