The distance between the two metropolitan areas is around 1,209 km. Currently, most long-distance trains operating on this route take between 22 and 24 hours, depending on their stoppages.
What was the latest superfast service plan
In December, the Railway Board announced a bi-weekly service – 16553/16554 SMVT Bengaluru–LTT Mumbai–SMVT Bengaluru. The notification was issued on December 9, 2025.
According to the schedule, train 16553 was set to depart SMVT Bengaluru at 8:35 PM on Tuesdays and Saturdays, arriving at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) at 8:40 PM the following day. The return service, 16554, was intended to leave LTT Mumbai at 11:15 PM on Sundays and Wednesdays, reaching Bengaluru at 10:30 PM the next day.
This service had 14 stops – including Hubballi and Pune – and was scheduled to operate with 17 LHB coaches, with primary maintenance conducted at SMVT Bengaluru.
However, the lengthy travel duration attracted criticism, particularly 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 reveal that the Railway Board is considering a Duronto Express train between KSR Bengaluru and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai. The proposed route encompasses Tumakuru, Davangere, Hubballi, Belagavi, Miraj, and Pune.
Two rakes are being evaluated, with primary maintenance based at KSR Bengaluru.
Provisional timings indicate a 4:30 PM departure from Bengaluru, arriving in Mumbai by 10:30 AM the following day. The return service could depart CSMT at 3 PM and reach Bengaluru around 9:30 AM.
What railway officials and passenger groups are saying
Ashutosh Kumar Singh, Divisional Railway Manager in Bengaluru, mentioned that no official communication has been made regarding the Duronto so far. He noted that the previous bi-weekly superfast service remains on the table and might still be introduced later this month.
Passenger groups are adamant. Prakash Mandoth, a former member of the Zonal Railway Users’ Consultative Committee, emphasized the need for a ‘truly superfast’ link between Bengaluru and Mumbai, ideally within 18 hours. K N Krishna Prasad from the Karnataka Railway Vedike echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of affordability alongside speed.
Duronto Express: coaches, fare & service features
Duronto trains generally offer onboard meals and operate on dynamic pricing. A 3AC berth for the Bengaluru–Mumbai route is expected to cost around ₹2,500.
The proposal is still under review. No final approval or launch date has been revealed.
