The distance between the two metro cities is about 1,209 km. Currently, most long-distance trains servicing this route take between 22 to 24 hours, depending on stops.
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 announcement was made on December 9, 2025.
According to the schedule, train 16553 was set to leave 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 train, 16554, was scheduled to depart LTT Mumbai at 11.15 pm on Sundays and Wednesdays, reaching Bengaluru at 10.30 pm the next day.
The service included 14 stops, such as Hubballi and Pune, and was planned to operate with 17 LHB coaches, with primary maintenance conducted at SMVT Bengaluru.
However, the lengthy travel time faced criticism, particularly since it was slower than the existing Udyan Express on the same route. South Western Railway did not release a separate operational notification.
Duronto Express route, timings and travel time
Sources cited by Deccan Herald indicate that the Railway Board is reviewing a Duronto Express train between KSR Bengaluru and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai. The proposed route will include Tumakuru, Davangere, Hubballi, Belagavi, Miraj, and Pune.
Two rakes are under consideration, with main maintenance at KSR Bengaluru.
Tentative timings suggest a 4.30 pm departure from Bengaluru, with an expected arrival in Mumbai by 10.30 am the next day. The return journey might leave 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, Bengaluru, noted that there has been no official announcement regarding the Duronto so far. He mentioned that the previous bi-weekly superfast service has not been cancelled and may still be launched later this month.
Passenger advocacy groups stand firm. Prakash Mandoth, a former member of the Zonal Railway Users’ Consultative Committee, expressed that Bengaluru and Mumbai require a ‘truly superfast’ connection, ideally within 18 hours. K N Krishna Prasad of the Karnataka Railway Vedike echoed these concerns, stressing the need for both affordability and speed.
Duronto Express: coaches, fare & service features
Duronto trains usually provide onboard meals and operate on dynamic pricing. A 3AC berth on the Bengaluru–Mumbai route is projected to cost around ₹2,500.
The proposal is still under review, with no final approval or launch date confirmed yet.
