India Plans Vande Bharat Sleeper Train for Bengaluru-Mumbai Route

The South Western Railway is preparing to launch a Vande Bharat Sleeper train service connecting Bengaluru and Mumbai, with an inaugural special trip proposed for November 1, 2026. The launch is timed to coincide with Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations. The new service will cover approximately 1,118 km, reducing travel time to about 16 hours, which is a saving of six to eight hours compared to the Udyan Express.

The train will operate between Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal in Bengaluru and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai. It will feature 16 coaches with 823 berths across AC first, two-tier, and three-tier classes. Safety features include CCTV and the Kavach anti-collision system. Proposed stops include Anantapur, Guntakal, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Solapur, Pune, and Kalyan.

While Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna and the Bharatiya Janata Party announced the November 1 date, the Ministry of Railways has not yet published a final commercial timetable or official fare structure. Proposed fares are estimated between Rs 2,600 and Rs 4,250. Conflicting reports exist regarding departure times, with some suggesting 7:50 PM and 8:10 PM, while others indicate 10:00 PM and 10:30 PM. Official confirmation was reportedly delayed due to the model code of conduct for the Karnataka Legislative Council elections.