Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper: 16-Hour Journey Starts!
Indian Railways is set to revolutionize travel between Maharashtra and Karnataka. The new Mumbai Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper service will soon connect Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) with Bengaluru’s Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT), drastically reducing travel time for passengers.
Currently, the rail journey between these two major metropolitan hubs takes approximately 24 hours. However, this upcoming high-speed service is designed to slash that duration to just 15 to 16 hours, offering a much faster and more efficient way to travel.
Inaugural Launch and Route Details
The first special service of this train is scheduled to be launched on November 1, 2026, to celebrate Karnataka Rajyotsava. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is expected to preside over the official flag-off ceremony.
This service marks the first-ever deployment of a Vande Bharat sleeper train in Southern India. Covering a distance of 1,118 km, the train will follow a route that includes stops at several key locations:
- Pune
- Kalyan
- Solapur
- Kalaburagi
- Wadi
- Raichur
- Guntakal
- Anantapur
- Dharmavaram
Premium Amenities and Advanced Safety
Designed by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), the train is capable of reaching speeds of up to 160 kmph. The 16-coach train is built to provide high-capacity comfort with a total of 823 berths. The coach configuration is as follows:
- 11 AC Three-Tier coaches
- 4 AC Two-Tier coaches
- 1 AC First-Class coach
To ensure a premium experience, the train will be equipped with modern amenities including hot showers, automatic passenger doors, CCTV cameras, USB charging ports, and emergency talk-back units. For enhanced security, the train will also incorporate the advanced Kavach safety system and integrated fire detection systems.
Regional Dining and Expected Fares
The onboard dining experience is being curated by IRCTC to reflect the local flavors of the route. Passengers can look forward to a menu featuring regional specialties such as misal pav, bisibele bath, mysore pak, and thalipith.
While the official commercial fare structure is yet to be formally notified, estimates suggest that the ticket prices for the journey will range between ₹2,600 and ₹4,250, depending on the class of travel selected.