Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper to Launch Nov 1!
Travelers commuting between the tech hub of Bengaluru and the financial capital of Mumbai are in for a major upgrade. The highly anticipated Bengaluru Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper service is officially scheduled to begin its inaugural run on November 1, 2026, a date that coincides with the celebration of Karnataka Rajyotsava.
Slash Travel Time from 24 to 16 Hours
This new premium service is set to revolutionize regional connectivity by significantly cutting down journey times. While the current travel duration between these two major cities takes approximately 24 hours, the new Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to complete the trip in just 16 hours.
The service will connect Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) in Bengaluru to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai. The announcement was confirmed by Bengaluru Central Member of Parliament P.C. Mohan, following communications from Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Route, Stops, and Train Schedule
While the Railway Board is expected to release the final commercial timetable and official fare structure shortly, the inaugural special run will operate under train numbers 27651/652. The 1,118-kilometer route is designed to serve several key stations along the way.
Proposed Intermediate Stops:
- Dharmavaram
- Anantapur
- Guntakal
- Raichur
- Wadi
- Kalaburagi
- Solapur
- Pune
- Kalyan
Departure and Arrival Timings:
The scheduled timings for the service are as follows:
- From SMVT Bengaluru: Departs at 7:50 PM and arrives at CSMT Mumbai at 11:55 AM the following day.
- From CSMT Mumbai: Departs at 8:10 PM and arrives at SMVT Bengaluru at 11:55 AM the next day.
Coach Configuration and Estimated Fares
The journey will be serviced by a modern 16-coach rake, offering a total capacity of 823 berths. The coach configuration includes:
- 11 AC three-tier coaches
- 4 AC two-tier coaches
- 1 AC first-class coach
While official fares are still being finalized, preliminary estimates suggest the following rates, which are inclusive of catering services:
- AC 3-tier: Approximately ₹2,300
- AC 2-tier: Approximately ₹3,000
- AC First Class: Approximately ₹4,250
The launch, which was originally targeted for an October commencement, was rescheduled due to the Karnataka Legislative Council elections. The project is being overseen by Indian Railways and the South Western Railway (SWR).