Indian Railways is considering the introduction of a new Duronto Express connecting Bengaluru and Mumbai, promising to cut travel time between the two metropolitan cities to just 18 hours. The proposal, currently under discussion, is expected to significantly improve long-distance rail connectivity on one of the country’s busiest corridors.
According to railway sources, the proposed Duronto service would offer limited stops, enabling faster end-to-end travel compared to existing express and superfast trains. The move is aimed at catering to the growing demand from business travelers, IT professionals, migrant workers, and frequent inter-city passengers who regularly commute between Karnataka and Maharashtra.
Bengaluru and Mumbai share strong economic, commercial, and cultural ties, with thousands of passengers traveling daily for work, education, healthcare, and trade. A faster Duronto service is expected to ease pressure on current trains while offering a more time-efficient alternative to road and air travel.
Railway officials say that factors such as track capacity, signaling upgrades, and rake availability are being evaluated before a final decision is taken. If approved, the new service could enhance Bengaluru’s long-distance rail network and further strengthen connectivity between southern and western India.
Passengers have welcomed the proposal, noting that a reliable 18-hour rail journey could become a preferred option for overnight travel. An official announcement from Indian Railways is awaited.
