After three decades, Bengaluru and Mumbai get a faster, direct rail lifeline — a superfast service through central Karnataka that slashes travel time and connects industrial hubs.
News in 60 Seconds
- Indian Railways has approved a second direct Bengaluru–Mumbai Superfast train via Hubballi–Dharwad.
- The route will run through Tumakuru, Davangere, Haveri, Hubballi–Dharwad and Belagavi to link central Karnataka with Mumbai.
- Target travel time: about 18 hours — nearly 5–6 hours faster than the current Udyan Express.
- Udyan Express remains the older direct connection via Guntakal–Solapur, taking about 23–24 hours today.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Route | SMVT Bengaluru ↔ CSMT Mumbai via Tumakuru, Davangere, Haveri, Hubballi–Dharwad, Belagavi |
| Current direct train | Udyan Express (via Guntakal–Solapur) — approx. 1,136–1,153 km; ~23–24 hrs |
| Planned travel time | ~18 hours (target) |
| Why this route | Shorter halts through central Karnataka — faster, fewer stops, boosts trade |
| Status | Approved by Indian Railways; schedule, fares and originating/terminating stations to be announced soon |
What Happened — Bengaluru–Mumbai Superfast Train via Hubballi
It’s official: Indian Railways has approved a second direct superfast connection between Bengaluru and Mumbai — this time via central Karnataka (Tumakuru → Davangere → Haveri → Hubballi–Dharwad → Belagavi) — a corridor many commuters and traders have long demanded. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi confirmed the development and thanked Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for sanctioning the service.
The ambition is bold: while the long-standing Udyan Express currently links the two cities on a route through Guntakal and Solapur in roughly 23–24 hours, the new train is being planned as a faster, limited-halt Superfast service with a target running time of about 18 hours. Railway officials say fewer halts and higher average speeds via the Hubballi corridor will make the shorter running time possible.
Why It Matters — Nation Building & Regional Growth
This is not just a timetable change — it’s an infrastructure pivot that matters for business, jobs and regional development. Central Karnataka — from Tumakuru’s industries to Davangere’s textile and Hubballi’s trading hubs — will gain faster access to Mumbai’s ports, markets and corporate centres. Shorter rail journeys lower travel costs, speed up freight/express parcel movement and make same-day business travel more realistic for traders and executives alike.
Impact on You — Travellers & Traders
- For regular travellers: An 18-hour rail option makes overnight travel manageable and competitive with budget flights when you factor in ticket price and station-to-station time.
- For traders and MSMEs: Faster movement between Karnataka districts and Mumbai markets can reduce lead times and logistics costs.
- For the rail network: The Hubballi corridor eases congestion on the Solapur/Guntakal axis and spreads traffic more evenly across South Western routes.
Route & Stops — What We Know So Far
Officials have indicated the train will likely start from Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) in Bengaluru and terminate at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai, with planned stops focused on Tumakuru, Davangere, Haveri, Hubballi–Dharwad and Belagavi. The final stoppage list, schedule and fares will be released after formal notification from the Railway Board.
Voices from the Ground
“I had requested the Union Railway Minister for this train, which has been our long-standing demand,” said Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, thanking Ashwini Vaishnaw for approving the service. “This Superfast train will run via central Karnataka — Tumakuru, Davangere, Haveri, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Belagavi — benefiting lakhs of people and boosting trade and commerce.”
Bengaluru MPs have also backed the move: P. C. Mohan indicated the train would likely originate/terminate at SMVT Bengaluru and CSMT Mumbai, noting the planned journey time could come down to about 18 hours with fewer stops. Railway officials say a formal schedule will be announced soon.
When Facts Meet Fire
This train is exactly the kind of practical infrastructure that builds India quietly — faster travel that widens markets, not just headlines. It connects factories, students and traders to opportunity. If Indian Railways delivers on the 18-hour promise, this corridor will reshape weekend business travel and make regional growth less Mumbai-centric and more Karnataka-inclusive.
Street FAQs
Q: When will the train start running?
A: The service has been approved; the Railway Board will announce the official schedule, fares and start date soon.
Q: Will this replace the Udyan Express?
A: No — the new train will be an additional direct Superfast service on a different route (via central Karnataka). Udyan Express will continue on its Guntakal–Solapur route.
Q: Will fares be higher?
A: Fare details are pending Railway Board notification. Superfast trains usually carry a small superfast surcharge; exact pricing will be announced with the timetable.
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Sources
- Deccan Herald — “It’s official! Bengaluru–Mumbai Superfast Train via Hubballi.”
- Indian Express — “Railways Approves Second Direct Superfast Train Between Bengaluru and Mumbai.”
- NDTV — “New Bengaluru–Mumbai Superfast Train To Reduce Travel Time By 18 Hours.”
- Times of India — coverage on the Hubballi route and travel time benefits.
