Why This Bengaluru–Bidar Special Train Was Extended Again: Check Timings

Last Updated:January 05, 2026, 11:47 IST

The Bengaluru to Bidar special train will run twice a week, departing on Fridays and Sundays. The Bidar to Bengaluru service will operate on Saturdays and Mondays.

The extended service includes two bi-weekly special trains operating in opposite directions.

The bi-weekly special express train service between Bengaluru and Bidar has been extended, offering continued relief to passengers travelling along the northern Karnataka corridor. South Western Railway has decided to continue the service in response to sustained passenger demand, ensuring connectivity between the state capital and Bidar over the coming weeks.

Railway officials said the extension aims to accommodate steady travel volumes seen on this route, which connects several key towns across Karnataka and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. The special train has been operating as an additional option alongside regular services and has seen consistent bookings since its introduction.

Train Numbers, Schedule and Duration

The extended service includes two bi-weekly special trains operating in opposite directions.

The Bengaluru to Bidar special train will run twice a week, departing on Fridays and Sundays. The Bidar to Bengaluru service will operate on Saturdays and Mondays. The continuation covers multiple trips over the coming weeks, allowing passengers to plan both weekend and short-term travel with greater certainty.

Railway authorities have clarified that there will be no changes to the existing timetable, stopping stations or coach composition during this extended period. The service will continue to operate with the same halts that were announced earlier, maintaining familiarity for regular travellers.

Route and Connectivity

The Bengaluru–Bidar special covers an important route linking the capital city with northern Karnataka districts. Along the way, it serves several intermediate stations that cater to daily commuters, families, students and long-distance travellers.

For passengers travelling between Bengaluru and towns such as Yelahanka, Raichur and Bidar, the bi-weekly special has become a useful alternative, particularly when regular trains are fully booked. Railway officials say the service helps distribute passenger load more evenly across the network, especially during high-demand periods.

Temporary Changes Due to Yard Work

Passengers are advised to note that there will be temporary operational changes on select dates due to ongoing yard and infrastructure work at Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal in Bengaluru.

On specific days, the Bidar to Bengaluru special will terminate at Yelahanka instead of proceeding to the terminal station. Similarly, the Bengaluru to Bidar service will originate from Yelahanka on certain dates, with partial cancellation of the initial Bengaluru–Yelahanka stretch.

Railway authorities have urged passengers to check journey details in advance and plan last-mile connectivity accordingly on days when these adjustments are in effect.

Why the Extension Matters

The continuation of the special service reflects a broader trend in railway operations, where special trains are retained as long as passenger demand remains strong. For many travellers, particularly those with flexible or short-notice travel plans, these services provide crucial seat availability when regular trains are booked out.

Officials noted that bi-weekly specials are especially useful for weekend travel, return journeys after personal visits, and inter-district movement related to education, work and healthcare.

Passenger Advisory

Passengers planning to travel on the Bengaluru–Bidar bi-weekly special are advised to verify:

• Updated boarding and destination stations• Platform details on the day of travel• Any partial cancellations linked to yard work

Checking official railway booking platforms or station notice boards before departure can help avoid last-minute confusion.

Continued Focus on Demand-Based Services

Railway officials said the extension underscores Indian Railways’ ongoing effort to align services with real-time passenger demand. If bookings continue at current levels, similar extensions or additional services could be considered in the future.

For now, the continued operation of the Bengaluru–Bidar bi-weekly special ensures that passengers along this corridor have a reliable travel option in the weeks ahead, particularly during periods of increased movement.

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