Bengaluru: Indian Railways is set to introduce the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express between Bengaluru and Mumbai, offering passengers a faster overnight travel option between the two major cities. The inaugural service is scheduled to be flagged off from Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT), Bengaluru, on November 1, while regular services are scheduled to begin from November 2 and 3 in the two directions.
The new train will operate between SMVT Bengaluru and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai. It is expected to cover the 1,118-km journey in approximately 16 hours, reducing travel time compared with several existing train services on the route.
Train timings and operating days
The Bengaluru–Mumbai service, numbered 27652, will depart from SMVT Bengaluru at 7.45 pm and reach CSMT Mumbai at 11.55 am the following day.
In the return direction, train number 27651 will leave Mumbai at 8.10 pm and arrive at SMVT Bengaluru at noon the next day.
Both services will operate six days a week. The Bengaluru–Mumbai train will not operate on Mondays, while the Mumbai–Bengaluru service will not run on Tuesdays.
Stations covered on the route
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will stop at eight stations between Bengaluru and Mumbai:
- Anantapur
- Guntakal
- Raichur
- Yadgir
- Kalaburagi
- Solapur
- Pune
- Kalyan
The service will connect passengers from several towns across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra with the two major cities. The inclusion of Yadgir is also expected to benefit passengers travelling from the region.
16-coach train with 823 berths
The Vande Bharat Sleeper will have 16 air-conditioned coaches, offering three classes of accommodation:
- 11 AC three-tier coaches
- Four AC two-tier coaches
- One AC first-class coach
The train will have a total capacity of 823 berths, including 611 in AC three-tier, 188 in AC two-tier and 24 in first class.
It will also feature improved berth cushioning, automatic doors, enhanced suspension, noise-reduction systems and the Kavach train safety system. Emergency talk-back facilities and technology to maintain onboard hygiene are among its other features.
Inaugural run and regular service dates
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is scheduled to flag off the inaugural Bengaluru–Mumbai service on November 1 from SMVT Bengaluru.
According to the announced schedule, the Mumbai–Bengaluru regular service is set to begin on November 2, while the Bengaluru–Mumbai regular service will commence on November 3. The different starting dates are due to the trains’ operating schedules and their respective weekly off days.
Ticket fares and booking details
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to provide an alternative to air travel for passengers making overnight journeys between Bengaluru and Mumbai. However, official ticket fares and booking details should be checked through the Indian Railways reservation system before planning a trip.
The introduction of this service is expected to improve rail connectivity between Karnataka and Maharashtra while offering passengers a dedicated overnight train with modern facilities.