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What is the story about?
The Indian Railways is considering introducing a Duronto Express between Bengaluru and Mumbai to cut travel time to around 18 hours, according to sources. The proposal comes amid criticism over a recently approved bi-weekly ‘superfast’ service between the two cities that takes nearly a full day to complete the journey.
The two metro cities are separated by about 1,209 km. At present, most long-distance trains on the route take between 22 and 24 hours, depending on stoppages.
What was the latest superfast service plan
Earlier in December, the Railway Board notified a bi-weekly service - 16553/16554 SMVT Bengaluru–LTT Mumbai–SMVT Bengaluru. The notification was issued on December 9, 2025.
As per the schedule, train 16553 was to depart SMVT Bengaluru at 8.35 pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays, reaching Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) at 8.40 pm the next day. The return service, 16554, was planned to leave LTT Mumbai at 11.15 pm on Sundays and Wednesdays, arriving in Bengaluru at 10.30 pm the following day.
The service had 14 stoppages - including Hubballi and Pune - and was to operate with 17 LHB coaches, with primary maintenance at SMVT Bengaluru.
However, the long travel time drew criticism - especially since it was slower than the existing Udyan Express on the same route. South Western Railway did not issue a separate operational notification.
Duronto Express route, timings and travel time
Sources cited by Deccan Herald say the Railway Board is examining a Duronto Express train between KSR Bengaluru and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai. The proposed route includes Tumakuru, Davangere, Hubballi, Belagavi, Miraj and Pune.
Two rakes are being considered, with primary maintenance at KSR Bengaluru.
Tentative timings suggest a 4.30 pm departure from Bengaluru, reaching Mumbai by 10.30 am the next day. The return service could leave CSMT at 3 pm and arrive in Bengaluru around 9.30 am.
What railway officials and passenger groups are saying
Ashutosh Kumar Singh, Divisional Railway Manager, Bengaluru, said there has been no official communication on the Duronto so far. He added that the earlier bi-weekly superfast service has not been cancelled and may still be introduced later this month.
Passenger groups remain firm. Prakash Mandoth, a former member of the Zonal Railway Users’ Consultative Committee, said Bengaluru and Mumbai need a ‘truly superfast’ connection, ideally within 18 hours. K N Krishna Prasad of the Karnataka Railway Vedike voiced similar concerns, stressing affordability alongside speed.
Duronto Express: coaches, fare & service features
Duronto trains typically include onboard meals and operate on dynamic fares. A 3AC berth on the Bengaluru–Mumbai sector is estimated tocost around ₹2,500.
The proposal remains under consideration for now. No final approval or launch date has been announced.
The two metro cities are separated by about 1,209 km. At present, most long-distance trains on the route take between 22 and 24 hours, depending on stoppages.
What was the latest superfast service plan
Earlier in December, the Railway Board notified a bi-weekly service - 16553/16554 SMVT Bengaluru–LTT Mumbai–SMVT Bengaluru. The notification was issued on December 9, 2025.
As per the schedule, train 16553 was to depart SMVT Bengaluru at 8.35 pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays, reaching Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) at 8.40 pm the next day. The return service, 16554, was planned to leave LTT Mumbai at 11.15 pm on Sundays and Wednesdays, arriving in Bengaluru at 10.30 pm the following day.
The service had 14 stoppages - including Hubballi and Pune - and was to operate with 17 LHB coaches, with primary maintenance at SMVT Bengaluru.
However, the long travel time drew criticism - especially since it was slower than the existing Udyan Express on the same route. South Western Railway did not issue a separate operational notification.
Duronto Express route, timings and travel time
Sources cited by Deccan Herald say the Railway Board is examining a Duronto Express train between KSR Bengaluru and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai. The proposed route includes Tumakuru, Davangere, Hubballi, Belagavi, Miraj and Pune.
Two rakes are being considered, with primary maintenance at KSR Bengaluru.
Tentative timings suggest a 4.30 pm departure from Bengaluru, reaching Mumbai by 10.30 am the next day. The return service could leave CSMT at 3 pm and arrive in Bengaluru around 9.30 am.
What railway officials and passenger groups are saying
Ashutosh Kumar Singh, Divisional Railway Manager, Bengaluru, said there has been no official communication on the Duronto so far. He added that the earlier bi-weekly superfast service has not been cancelled and may still be introduced later this month.
Passenger groups remain firm. Prakash Mandoth, a former member of the Zonal Railway Users’ Consultative Committee, said Bengaluru and Mumbai need a ‘truly superfast’ connection, ideally within 18 hours. K N Krishna Prasad of the Karnataka Railway Vedike voiced similar concerns, stressing affordability alongside speed.
Duronto Express: coaches, fare & service features
Duronto trains typically include onboard meals and operate on dynamic fares. A 3AC berth on the Bengaluru–Mumbai sector is estimated tocost around ₹2,500.
The proposal remains under consideration for now. No final approval or launch date has been announced.
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