The newly announced express train has been launched to meet rising passenger demand for seamless travel between Bengaluru, Pune and Mumbai. Until now, many travellers relied on indirect train routes, flights, or long road journeys. This bi-weekly service offers a direct, affordable, and comfortable alternative, reducing the need for multiple transfers and simplifying travel planning.
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Operating twice a week in each direction, the train provides additional flexibility for passengers who often struggle with limited seat availability on existing services. The timings have been planned to suit both business travellers and leisure passengers, ensuring a balanced and convenient travel experience.
Train Numbers, Route and Timings
The service will operate as:
Train No. 16553 – SMVT Bengaluru to Lokmanya Tilak Express
Train No. 16554 – Lokmanya Tilak to SMVT Bengaluru Express
Train No. 16553 will depart SMVT Bengaluru at 20:35 hrs and reach Lokmanya Tilak Terminus at 20:40 hrs the following day. During its journey, it will arrive at Pune at 16:55 hrs, with a halt until 17:00 hrs.
On the return journey, Train No. 16554 will leave Lokmanya Tilak Terminus at 23:15 hrs and arrive at SMVT Bengaluru at 22:30 hrs the next day. This service will stop at Pune between 03:05 hrs and 03:10 hrs.
The Bengaluru to LTT train will run on Saturdays and Tuesdays, while the LTT to Bengaluru service will operate on Sundays and Wednesdays.
Stations Covered Along the Route
In addition to Pune, the express train will have commercial halts at several important stations, including Davangere, Hubballi, Dharwad, Belagavi, Miraj, Sangli, Karad, Satara, Lonand, Lonavla, Karjat, Kalyan and Thane. These stops ensure wider regional access and benefit passengers across both Karnataka and Maharashtra.
Coach Composition and Facilities
The train will consist of 17 modern LHB coaches, offering a mix of reserved seating, sleeper class, and air-conditioned coaches to cater to different travel needs and budgets. Operational facilities such as watering and crew changes will be provided at Hubballi, Miraj and Pune, ensuring smooth and efficient service throughout the journey.
Benefits for Passengers
This new express brings several key advantages:
Direct connectivity between Pune, Bengaluru and Mumbai, eliminating unnecessary transfers
Reduced travel stress, offering a dependable rail alternative to flights and buses
Better planning options thanks to bi-weekly frequency and convenient timings
Economic and Regional Impact
Pune and Bengaluru are major IT, education and industrial hubs, while Mumbai remains India’s financial capital. Strengthening rail links between these cities supports business travel, tourism, and cultural exchange. The service is also expected to help reduce road congestion, lower travel costs, and improve overall regional mobility.
Passenger Response and Outlook
Early reactions from commuters suggest strong optimism, with many welcoming easier access to workplaces, educational institutions and family destinations. Railway officials believe the train will quickly gain popularity and complement existing routes serving this high-demand corridor.
With Pune included as a key halt, the new bi-weekly SMVT Bengaluru–Lokmanya Tilak Express marks another step toward improving long-distance rail connectivity across Maharashtra, Karnataka and Mumbai’s suburban network, offering passengers a reliable and comfortable new travel option.
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