Rail passengers from Belagavi are set to benefit from a new direct train connectivity option between Bengaluru and Mumbai, with Indian Railways announcing the timings for the regular operation of Train No. 16553/16554 SMVB–LTT–SMVB Express.
The bi-weekly express train will operate between Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal Bengaluru (SMVB) and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), Mumbai, passing through key cities including Hubballi, Dharwad, Belagavi, Pune, and Kalyan.
According to the timetable released, the train will have a scheduled halt at Belagavi railway station in both directions:
- Train No. 16553 SMVB–LTT Express
- Departure from SMVB Bengaluru: 8:35 PM (Saturday & Tuesday)
- Arrival at Belagavi: 6:45 AM
- Departure from Belagavi: 6:50 AM
- Arrival at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Mumbai: 8:40 PM the same day
- Train No. 16554 LTT–SMVB Express
- Departure from Mumbai LTT: 10:30 PM (Monday & Thursday)
- Arrival at Belagavi: 11:50 AM
- Departure from Belagavi: 11:55 AM
- Arrival at SMVB Bengaluru: 10:30 PM
The route will pass through Davangere, Hubballi, Dharwad, Miraj, Sangli, Satara, Pune, Lonavala, Karjat, Kalyan, and Thane.
For Belagavi passengers, the new service is expected to improve rail connectivity to both Bengaluru and Mumbai.
However, railway authorities have yet to officially announce the commencement date for the service’s regular operation. Ticket bookings and operational notifications are expected once the Railways issue the final approval and launch schedule.