Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Flags Off New Bengaluru-Mumbai Express Train

Bengaluru, May 18 (APAC Media): In a major boost to rail connectivity between Karnataka and Maharashtra, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday virtually flagged off the inaugural run of the new express train between Bengaluru and Mumbai.

Regular Services to Begin from May 23

The regular operation of Train No. 16553/16554 SMVT Bengaluru–Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Bi-Weekly Express will start from May 23 and 24 respectively. Officials have also approved an additional stoppage at Tumakuru station in both directions.

🚆Transforming Bengaluru’s urban mobility!

Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project gathers pace, with rapid progress across all four corridors. pic.twitter.com/42jRMKl5j4

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) May 17, 2026

The train will complete the journey in approximately 24 hours and 5 minutes.

The express train will halt at several important stations including Tumakuru, Davangere, SSS Hubballi, Dharwad, Belagavi, Miraj Junction, Sangli, Karad, Satara, Lonand, Pune, Lonavala, Karjat, Kalyan, and Thane. 

Railway Ministry Highlights Infrastructure Push

Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna thanked Ashwini Vaishnaw for approving the train service and said it would strengthen Karnataka’s connectivity and support regional development.

Speaking about the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project, Vaishnaw said work is progressing on all four corridors. He added that land acquisition has already been completed for the Baiyappanahalli–Chikkabanavara and Heelalige–Rajanukunte corridors.

Calling it a significant step for inter-state connectivity, the minister also announced that the Bengaluru–Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper service is expected to begin soon.

Tejasvi Surya Demands High-Speed Rail Corridor

The Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya urged the Railway Ministry to approve a high-speed rail corridor between Bengaluru and Mumbai via Davanagere and Hubballi. 

Speaking virtually during the launch event, he said better rail connectivity between Bengaluru and Mumbai would significantly boost economic activity in Central and North Karnataka and improve regional growth. 

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