In a fresh development concerning the proposed Bengaluru–Mumbai bi-weekly express train via Belagavi, South Western Railway has officially cancelled the earlier notification issued for the introduction of Train No. 16553/16554 SMVB–LTT–SMVB Express.
A notification issued from the South Western Railway Headquarters, Hubballi, dated May 10, 2026, states that the earlier approval for the regular operation of the train between Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal Bengaluru (SMVB) and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), Mumbai, has been withdrawn.
The proposed train had generated interest among passengers from Belagavi, as it was expected to provide another direct rail link to both Bengaluru and Mumbai with convenient morning timings at Belagavi station.
As per the now-cancelled schedule, the train was supposed to halt at Belagavi at:
- 6:45 AM towards Mumbai
- 11:50 AM while returning towards Bengaluru
The railway communication further mentions that the inaugural special train No. 06557 SMVB–LTT scheduled to run on May 13, 2026, may also be treated as cancelled.
The order, issued by the Dy. Commercial Manager (Coaching), South Western Railway, directs all concerned railway departments to take note and act accordingly.
No official reason has been cited for the sudden cancellation of the notification. Railway authorities are also yet to clarify whether the service has been postponed temporarily or dropped altogether.
For passengers from Belagavi and nearby districts, the development comes as a disappointment, especially as the train was expected to improve direct connectivity to Mumbai and Bengaluru through an additional service on this busy corridor.