Bengaluru: A new express train service between Bengaluru and Mumbai was flagged off at Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) near Baiyyappanahalli on Thursday, aimed at improving connectivity between the two major cities amid growing passenger demand.
The twice-a-week train service will operate between SMVT Bengaluru and Lokmanya Tilak Terminal (LTT) in Mumbai. The train will depart from Bengaluru on Tuesdays and Saturdays, while return services from Mumbai will run on Wednesdays and Sundays.
The new service will connect key cities including Bengaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad, Belagavi, Pune and Mumbai, offering greater travel convenience for passengers.
The train consists of 17 coaches, including one AC 2-tier coach, four AC 3-tier coaches, six sleeper class coaches and four general compartments.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna flagged off the train service, with Vaishnaw participating virtually through video conferencing.
Several dignitaries, including MPs P.C. Mohan and Tejasvi Surya, Rajya Sabha member Lehar Singh, Railway General Manager Ananth and Divisional Railway Manager A.K. Singh, were present at the inauguration ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, V. Somanna said the new train service would strengthen direct connectivity between Karnataka and Maharashtra, while also improving affordability, passenger convenience and tourism opportunities.
