Bengaluru: Travellers between Bengaluru and Mumbai may soon see a significant reduction in journey times if reports of a proposed Duronto Express by Indian Railways come to fruition. According to recent media coverage, the railway authorities are exploring the introduction of a Duronto Express that could cover the approximately 1,209-kilometre distance in just 18 hours, offering passengers a faster and more comfortable travel experience compared to existing services.

The proposal for the Duronto Express comes on the heels of a bi-weekly superfast train recently approved between SMVT Bengaluru and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), Mumbai. Launched on December 9, 2025, this service (train numbers 16553/16554) departs Bengaluru at night on Tuesdays and Saturdays, reaching Mumbai the following evening, and operates on return trips on Sundays and Wednesdays. While the train has provided an additional travel option for passengers, the 24-hour journey time, which includes 14 stops along the route, has left many commuters disappointed, as it is slower than the already operational Udyan Express, which covers the route more efficiently.

The current bi-weekly train stops at key cities including Hubballi, Pune, and other towns along the route, providing connectivity to several regions but inadvertently lengthening travel time. Passengers and railway enthusiasts have been vocal about the need for a faster alternative that can combine comfort and efficiency, especially for those travelling for business or urgent personal reasons. In response to this demand, the Railway Board is reportedly considering a Duronto Express that could reduce the Bengaluru-Mumbai journey by nearly six hours.

Duronto Express trains are a premium long-distance option introduced by Indian Railways with the express objective of reducing travel time between major cities. Unlike regular express or superfast trains, Duronto trains feature minimal scheduled stops, include meals in the ticket fare, and are designed to maintain higher average speeds. The success of other Duronto Express services across India has prompted railway authorities to explore this model for the Bengaluru-Mumbai corridor.

According to reports, the tentative plan for the new Duronto Express includes a route from KSR Bengaluru to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai, with limited halts at strategic locations such as Tumakuru, Davangere, Hubballi, Belagavi, Miraj, and Pune. The train is expected to depart from Bengaluru at 4:30 pm, arriving in Mumbai the next morning at 10:30 am, making it a convenient option for passengers who prefer overnight travel while reaching their destination by mid-morning. The return journey is proposed to leave Mumbai at 3:00 pm and reach Bengaluru by 9:30 am the following day.

Pricing for the proposed service is anticipated to be slightly premium, reflecting the added convenience and speed. A three-tier air-conditioned (3AC) ticket is expected to be priced around ₹2,500. The inclusion of meals in the ticket fare, along with reduced travel time and limited stops, positions this service as a practical and appealing choice for both leisure and business travellers.

Railway officials, however, have clarified that no official announcement has been made yet regarding the Duronto Express. The plans are reportedly still under consideration, with route alignment, scheduling, and logistical planning in progress. They emphasized that the existing bi-weekly superfast train remains operational and has not been cancelled, providing passengers with the current travel option while authorities explore faster alternatives.

The potential introduction of a Duronto Express between Bengaluru and Mumbai highlights a broader focus by Indian Railways on enhancing long-distance connectivity and improving travel efficiency. Over the past decade, there has been a growing demand for faster, more comfortable rail travel between India’s major metropolitan centres, driven by the increasing pace of business, tourism, and personal travel needs. In this context, the Duronto Express, with its higher speed and reduced stops, has emerged as a preferred solution.

Currently, the Bengaluru-Mumbai rail corridor is served by several trains, including the Udyan Express, the bi-weekly superfast train, and other long-distance services that connect multiple towns along the route. While these trains provide essential connectivity, the total journey times often range between 22 to 24 hours, which can be inconvenient for passengers seeking quicker transit. Moreover, overnight journeys on these services, although widely used, can be tiring due to multiple stops and relatively slower speeds. The introduction of a Duronto Express could therefore fill a critical gap, offering a streamlined and comfortable option with predictable timings and modern amenities.

Experts suggest that the Duronto Express model is particularly well-suited for the Bengaluru-Mumbai corridor due to the economic and commercial significance of both cities. Bengaluru, the technology and innovation hub of India, attracts significant business travel, while Mumbai, as the financial capital, is a centre for corporate activities and tourism. A faster rail connection between these cities can facilitate smoother business operations, enable day-to-day corporate travel planning, and potentially reduce dependency on air travel for some segments of commuters.

Operational planning for the Duronto Express is likely to involve careful consideration of rail traffic on this heavily used corridor. Coordination between different railway zones, scheduling of train paths to avoid congestion, and maintenance of high-speed tracks will be essential for ensuring that the service can consistently meet the 18-hour target. Additionally, ensuring that the limited stops at Tumakuru, Davangere, Hubballi, Belagavi, Miraj, and Pune align with passenger demand will be crucial for both operational efficiency and financial viability.

In addition to the travel-time advantage, Duronto Express trains are generally equipped with modern coaches, better seating and sleeping arrangements, and onboard services that cater to passenger comfort. Meals provided as part of the ticket fare add convenience, particularly for overnight journeys, eliminating the need for passengers to arrange for food during the trip. For long-distance travelers, these enhancements are often considered a decisive factor when choosing between trains, and in some cases, even between rail and air travel.

If the Duronto Express is launched, it could also have a positive impact on regional connectivity along the intermediate stops. Cities like Hubballi, Belagavi, and Miraj could see improved rail services, providing additional options for residents and businesses in these regions. Strategically selected halts ensure that while the train maintains its speed advantage, it also caters to passenger demand along the route, balancing efficiency with accessibility.

While passengers await official confirmation from Indian Railways, speculation about the Duronto Express has already generated interest across social media and railway enthusiast forums. Travelers are particularly excited about the possibility of reducing travel time significantly, which could make rail travel between Bengaluru and Mumbai more competitive with short-haul flights, especially in terms of convenience and cost-effectiveness.

In conclusion, the proposed Duronto Express between Bengaluru and Mumbai represents a potential milestone in Indian Railways’ efforts to modernize and accelerate long-distance rail travel. By reducing the journey to approximately 18 hours, offering onboard meals, and maintaining limited stops, the service is poised to provide a premium yet practical option for passengers. While official details and announcements are still awaited, the proposal reflects Indian Railways’ ongoing commitment to improving connectivity, enhancing passenger comfort, and providing efficient travel solutions for India’s busiest metropolitan corridors. For business travelers, tourists, and long-distance commuters alike, the new Duronto Express promises to redefine rail travel between these two major cities, combining speed, comfort, and convenience in a single offering.

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