A new superfast train service between Bengaluru and Mumbai has received official approval from Indian Railways, promising to cut travel time between the two metro cities and significantly boost inter-state connectivity. Nearly three decades after the launch of the Udyan Express, this new service is expected to mark a major milestone in enhancing regional mobility and economic linkages across Karnataka and Maharashtra.
According to railway officials, the proposed train will run on a central Karnataka route connecting Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) in Bengaluru to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai. The service is expected to reduce travel time to around 18 hours — a sharp improvement from the current 23 hours and 35 minutes taken by the Udyan Express. The new route will likely pass through Tumakuru, Davangere, Haveri, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Belagavi, before entering Maharashtra. Officials indicated that the project had been under discussion for several years, with public demand from passengers and businesses pushing for an alternative to the congested Udyan route. Unlike the existing service that passes through Solapur and makes more than 30 stops, the upcoming train aims for fewer halts and a more direct alignment, reducing travel time and improving punctuality.
Railway experts believe the route’s design could also serve a dual purpose — decongesting existing tracks and unlocking new economic corridors in central Karnataka. With the line touching industrial clusters such as Hubballi and Belagavi, it could improve logistics movement and strengthen trade networks between Karnataka and western India. The project aligns with the Indian Railways’ broader goal of modernising intercity passenger travel with faster, energy-efficient trains that complement India’s push for greener, time-saving mobility options. Officials further explained that the service will support both passenger and freight traffic in the long run. A shorter route will not only reduce operational costs and energy consumption but also minimise dependence on older diesel-heavy stretches. The shift towards electrified, high-speed corridors aligns with India’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector.
The approval of this new train reflects growing passenger expectations for reliable and time-efficient services. With improved travel times and fewer halts, the new service could become the preferred choice for regular commuters, business travellers, and tourists alike. For Mumbai and Bengaluru — both economic powerhouses — this development signifies more than faster travel; it represents a step toward sustainable, integrated, and modern intercity transport. As the final route and schedule await confirmation, the introduction of this superfast train reinforces the ongoing transformation of India’s rail network — where speed, sustainability, and connectivity are being redefined to meet the aspirations of a rapidly urbanising nation.
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