Indian Railways on Tuesday announced the regularisation of SMVT Bengaluru-Bidar bi-weekly special trains, converting them into permanent services following strong passenger demand.
The trains will now operate with regular train numbers, ensuring more reliable connectivity and better travel planning throughout the year.
Officials said the move will benefit passengers travelling between Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and key parts of North Karnataka.
The service will significantly improve rail connectivity between Bengaluru and important locations such as Kalaburagi, Shahabad and Wadi, which fall under the Solapur Division, they said.
The trains will also serve passengers from North Karnataka, also known as Kalyana Karnataka, and will enhance access to major junctions including Guntakal, Raichur and Dharmavaram.
Railways said the service will benefit students, working professionals, business travellers, pilgrims and families.
Train numbers and launch dates
The existing special services will be converted into permanent trains as:
– Train No. 06539 SMVT Bengaluru-Bidar Bi-Weekly Special will become Train No. 16559, effective from 15 May 2026
– Train No. 06540 Bidar-SMVT Bengaluru Bi-Weekly Special will become Train No. 16560, effective from 16 May 2026
Timings of the new services-
– SMVT Bengaluru to Bidar (Train No. 16559)
The train will depart from Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal, Bengaluru at 21:15 hrs every Friday and Sunday. It will arrive at Bidar at 12:15 hrs the next day.
Bidar to SMVT Bengaluru (Train No. 16560)
The return train will depart from Bidar at 14:00 hrs every Saturday and Monday, reaching Bengaluru at 04:00 hrs the next day.
Route and halts
The trains will stop at key stations including Humnabad, Kalaburagi, Shahabad, Wadi, Yadgir, Krishna, Raichur, Manthralayam Road, Adoni, Guntakal, Anantapur, Dharmavaram, Hindupur and Yelahanka.
Officials said these stoppages will improve regional connectivity and ease travel across multiple districts.
Coach composition
Each train will have a total of 20 coaches, including 1 AC II Tier coach, 2 AC III Tier coaches, 11 Sleeper Class coaches, 4 General Second Class coaches and 2 Luggage cum Brake Vans.
Booking and reservations
Reservations for the regularised trains will be available at all computerised reservation centres and through the official website IRCTC. Unreserved tickets can be booked at station counters and through the RailOne mobile application.
“Passengers have been advised to travel with valid tickets to avoid inconvenience,” officials said.
The Solapur Division has appealed to passengers to make use of the newly regularised bi-weekly train services, describing them as convenient and reliable options for long-distance travel.