More than a month after the Railway Board officially notified a new bi-weekly train service connecting Mumbai and Bengaluru, the much-anticipated launch has yet to materialize. Despite the notification specifying that the train would be introduced at the earliest convenient date, there has been no tangible progress on the ground, leaving passengers in a state of uncertainty.
Approval Amid High Expectations
The railway ministry granted approval for this long-awaited service on December 9, 2025, responding to persistent passenger demands for enhanced connectivity between these two major metropolitan hubs. The proposed route links Bengaluru's SMVT station with Mumbai's Lokmanya Tilak station, aiming to address travel needs that have been underserved for years.
Criticism Over Speed and Frequency
However, the announcement has already sparked significant criticism from regular commuters. For over two decades, passengers have relied on the Udyaan Express, which takes more than 20 hours to traverse the 1,153-kilometer distance. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw's announcement in September last year about a superfast train between the cities had raised hopes for a quicker alternative.
Disappointingly, the new SMVT Bengaluru-Lokmanya Tilak Express is scheduled to take nearly 24 hours—approximately four hours slower than the existing Udyaan Express. This has frustrated travelers who were anticipating a faster, possibly daily service rather than a bi-weekly one with extended travel time.
Official Explanation for the Delay
Amid growing speculation and reports suggesting the train might be shelved due to public opposition, railway officials have clarified that the delay stems from logistical challenges. A South Western Railway (SWR) official explained to TOI that the service involves coordination between two railway zones: south-western and central.
Within our jurisdiction, we have cleared the timetable, but it is yet to be finalized by Central Railway. Only once they complete this process can the train be introduced commercially, the official stated. This inter-zonal timetable alignment is cited as the primary hurdle preventing the operational launch.
Future Prospects: Vande Bharat Sleeper Express
Looking ahead, sources within SWR have indicated a strong possibility of introducing a Vande Bharat Sleeper Express on the same Bengaluru-Mumbai route later this year. This potential development could offer a more modern and efficient travel option, potentially alleviating some of the current dissatisfaction among passengers.
As stakeholders await further updates, the delay underscores the complexities involved in expanding India's railway network and meeting passenger expectations for improved inter-city connectivity.
