Bengaluru-Mumbai Superfast Train via Hubballi Confirmed: Travel Between Cities in Just 18 Hours

After years of anticipation, railway authorities have officially confirmed a new superfast train service connecting Bengaluru and Mumbai via Hubballi. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a letter to Dharwad MP and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, stated that the train will travel through Davangere, Hubballi, and Belagavi, covering a broader swath of Karnataka while drastically reducing travel time. The long-awaited announcement comes in response to decades of public demand for faster, more convenient connectivity between the two major cities, especially for passengers from northern and western Karnataka. The new route promises fewer stops, modern amenities, and an estimated journey time of 18 hours or less — on par with long-distance bus travel — making intercity travel faster and more comfortable for daily commuters, business travellers, and leisure passengers alike.

Currently, Bengaluru and Mumbai are primarily connected by the Udyan Express, which runs via Guntakal and Kalaburagi, covering 1,136 kilometers. The journey takes 23 hours and 35 minutes from Bengaluru to Mumbai and 21 hours and 50 minutes in the reverse direction. The train is highly popular, often fully booked weeks in advance, highlighting the need for additional, faster services. By contrast, the new Hubballi route will span approximately 1,227 kilometers but is expected to cut travel time significantly through limited stops and high-speed operations. According to officials, the new train will likely originate from Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) in Bengaluru and terminate at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai, further streamlining city-center connectivity.

Hubballi Route: Faster Travel, Better Connectivity

The decision to route the superfast train via Hubballi was driven by public demand and regional planning objectives. Citizens from northern Karnataka have long advocated for a train that passes through Hubballi to serve a larger population and improve access to Mumbai. The proposed limited-stop service is expected to halt at Tumakuru, Davangere, Hubballi, and Belagavi within Karnataka, enabling efficient passenger boarding and deboarding while maintaining high speeds.

Railway officials have emphasized that despite the route being slightly longer than the Udyan Express (1,227 km vs. 1,136 km), the journey can be completed in 18 hours or less thanks to modern track upgrades, faster locomotives, and fewer scheduled stops. The move is expected to ease pressure on existing services and provide relief to passengers who previously faced long waits for confirmed tickets.
 

Modern Facilities and Passenger Convenience
 

The Bengaluru-Mumbai superfast train is likely to feature modern amenities such as comfortable seating, sleeping arrangements, and onboard catering services, though final details will be confirmed upon the official announcement. Divisional Railway Manager Ashutosh Kumar Singh noted that the originating station in Bengaluru is yet to be finalised, with possibilities including KSR Bengaluru, Yeshwantpur, or Bengaluru Cantonment.

Bangalore Central MP P. C. Mohan highlighted the convenience the service will offer, noting that travellers will experience a journey comparable in duration to long-distance bus services but with greater comfort and reliability. The limited-stop schedule is designed to balance speed with accessibility for key cities along the route.

 

Strategic Importance for Karnataka and Maharashtra
 

The new route is more than a convenience for travellers; it is also a strategic development for regional connectivity. By linking northern Karnataka towns like Hubballi and Belagavi directly to Mumbai, the train will facilitate business travel, tourism, and trade. The route supports Karnataka’s growing economic corridors while simultaneously providing Maharashtra with better access to industrial and technology hubs in Bengaluru.


Officials believe that the train will complement existing services and reduce congestion on the Udyan Express and other long-distance trains on the southern route via Guntakal. The faster travel option will encourage more intercity commuting for business, education, and tourism, boosting economic ties between the two states.

 

Expanding Bengaluru’s Long-Distance Train Network
 

The announcement also points to broader plans by Indian Railways to introduce additional dedicated services from Bengaluru to major cities such as Delhi and Patna, reflecting the city’s increasing demand for long-distance connectivity. Divisional Railway Manager Ashutosh Kumar Singh stated, “We are actively working to introduce more regular trains to meet the growing passenger demand. These initiatives aim to provide faster, safer, and more reliable services to residents of Bengaluru and surrounding regions.”

With the Hubballi superfast train, Indian Railways is not only addressing decades-old passenger demands but also laying the groundwork for a modernized, high-speed network that enhances the efficiency of India’s rail infrastructure.

 

Timeline and Implementation
 

While a formal announcement is awaited, railway authorities have indicated that project planning and approvals are in progress. With infrastructure and scheduling arrangements being finalised, the new train service is expected to operate within the next few years, subject to regulatory and operational clearances. Officials are optimistic that the service will meet the 18-hour target and provide commuters with a convenient, reliable alternative to existing travel options.

The Future of Intercity Travel Between Bengaluru and Mumbai
 

The Bengaluru-Mumbai superfast train via Hubballi represents a significant milestone in India’s railway modernization efforts. By reducing travel time, improving connectivity for northern Karnataka, and offering modern facilities, the service promises to revolutionize travel between two of India’s most important metropolitan regions.

Passengers can expect not only faster journeys but also a safer, more comfortable travel experience that caters to both daily commuters and occasional travellers. As preparations move forward, the Hubballi route is set to become the preferred choice for those seeking efficient, reliable, and convenient rail travel between Bengaluru and Mumbai.