Just days after South Western Railway had issued a cancellation notice withdrawing the introduction of the Bengaluru–Mumbai bi-weekly express service, the Railways has now officially announced the launch of the train with revised operational details and commencement dates.
The Ministry of Railways has approved the introduction of the new bi-weekly express service between Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal Bengaluru (SMVT) and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), Mumbai, aimed at improving connectivity between Karnataka and Maharashtra. The train will pass through important cities including Hubballi-Dharwad, Belagavi, Pune, and Mumbai.
Earlier this week, a railway notification had stated that the introduction of Train No. 16553/16554 had been cancelled and that the inaugural special train may also be treated as cancelled. However, in the latest official release, South Western Railway confirmed that the service will now commence later this month.
Inaugural Special on May 17
Before the regular operations begin, an inaugural one-way special train — Train No. 06557 SMVT Bengaluru–Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Inaugural Special — will run on May 17, 2026 (Sunday).
The special train will depart from SMVT Bengaluru at 10:00 AM and reach Mumbai LTT at 10:30 AM the next day.
The train will halt at:
Davangere, SSS Hubballi, Dharwad, Belagavi, Miraj, Sangli, Karad, Satara, Lonand, Pune, Lonavala, Karjat, Kalyan and Thane.
Regular Services From May 23
According to the official announcement:
- Train No. 16553 SMVT Bengaluru–LTT Express
- Will operate every Saturday and Tuesday
- Departure from Bengaluru: 8:35 PM
- Arrival at Mumbai LTT: 8:40 PM the following day
- Train No. 16554 LTT–SMVT Bengaluru Express
- Will operate every Sunday and Wednesday
- Departure from Mumbai LTT: 11:15 PM
- Arrival at SMVT Bengaluru: 10:30 PM the next day
Regular services will commence:
- From Bengaluru: May 23, 2026
- From Mumbai LTT: May 24, 2026
Belagavi Timings
For passengers in Belagavi, the train is expected to provide an additional direct connectivity option to both Bengaluru and Mumbai.
The scheduled timings at Belagavi station are:
- Towards Mumbai:
- Arrival: 6:45 AM
- Departure: 6:50 AM
- Towards Bengaluru:
- Arrival: 11:50 AM
- Departure: 11:55 AM
Coach Composition
The train will comprise 17 LHB coaches, including:
- 1 AC 2-Tier coach
- 4 AC 3-Tier coaches
- 6 Sleeper Class coaches
- 4 General Second Class coaches
- 1 Divyangjan-friendly luggage-cum-brake van
- 1 luggage-cum-generator-cum-brake van
Railway officials stated that the service is expected to benefit passengers travelling for business, education, employment, and tourism between Bengaluru, North Karnataka, Belagavi, Pune, and Mumbai.