Indian Railways has announced the permanent regularization of the Danapur–Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) Bengaluru Express Special as a daily Superfast service. This upgrade, effective from September 1, 2026, is set to significantly improve rail connectivity between Bihar and Karnataka, offering a direct link between the Danapur area near Patna and Bengaluru.
Daily Schedule and Renumbering
The existing special trains, previously numbered 03251/03252, will be renumbered as 22365/22366. They will operate daily as the Danapur–SMVT Bengaluru–Danapur Superfast Express.
- Train No. 22365 (Danapur to SMVT Bengaluru): This service will depart Danapur daily at 2:45 PM and arrive at SMVT Bengaluru at 2:30 PM on the third day. Its regular daily operations commence on September 1, 2026.
- Train No. 22366 (SMVT Bengaluru to Danapur): The return journey will depart SMVT Bengaluru daily at 11:50 PM and reach Danapur at 12:15 AM on the fourth day. This service will begin its regular daily operations from September 3, 2026.
Comprehensive Route and Halts
The Danapur Bengaluru Express will traverse through eight states, providing crucial connectivity across various regions. The Bengaluru-bound train will make halts at:
- Ara Junction
- Buxar
- Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction
- Prayagraj Chheoki
- Satna
- Jabalpur
- Itarsi
- Nagpur
- Sevagram
- Chandrapur
- Balharshah
- Warangal
- Vijayawada
- Ongole
- Gudur
- Perambur
- Katpadi
- Jolarpettai
- Bangarapet
- Whitefield
In the reverse direction, the train will call at the same stations before reaching Danapur, covering key railway hubs in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
Coach Composition and Enhanced Accessibility
The daily Danapur Bengaluru Express will consist of 24 ICF coaches. This includes two AC 2-Tier coaches, three AC 3-Tier coaches, and ten Sleeper Class coaches. Additionally, there will be seven General Second Class coaches and two Second Class Luggage-cum-Brake Vans, which are equipped with Divyangjan-friendly compartments to ensure accessibility for passengers with disabilities.
Boost to Regional Connectivity
The transformation of this special service into a permanent daily Superfast Express is a strategic move by the East Central Railway. It aims to provide more predictable schedules and reduce the reliance on multiple connections for passengers traveling between Bihar and Karnataka. This direct rail link is expected to significantly benefit students, professionals, and families, fostering stronger ties and easier movement between these two economically vital regions.