Indian Railways is set to transform the travel experience between Mumbai and Bengaluru with the introduction of the new Vande Bharat Sleeper train. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has officially approved this service, which is expected to begin operations by the end of July 2026. This train will provide a much-needed semi-high-speed overnight connection between the two major metropolitan cities.
Key Features and Passenger Capacity
The train will consist of 16 modern coaches designed specifically for long-distance overnight journeys. With a total capacity of approximately 823 passengers, the train will include AC First Class, AC 2-tier, and AC 3-tier coaches. Passengers can look forward to upgraded facilities such as ergonomic berths, sensor-based lighting, advanced suspension systems for a smoother ride, and the Kavach anti-collision system for enhanced safety.
Route and Journey Details
The new service will drastically cut the travel time between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and KSR Bengaluru. Currently, the Udyan Express takes about 22 hours, but the Vande Bharat Sleeper is projected to complete the journey in just 15 to 18 hours. The train is expected to run six days a week, passing through major stations including Pune, Solapur, Kalaburagi, Raichur, and Guntakal. This service will be the second Vande Bharat sleeper in the country.