In a major boost for long-distance rail travel, a Vande Bharat Sleeper service for the Mumbai-Bengaluru route has been approved by Indian Railways.
The move is expected to transform overnight travel between two of India’s busiest cities by offering faster journey times and upgraded passenger comfort.
Faster journey expected
At present, regular train services between Mumbai and Bengaluru take around 21 to 23 hours. The new sleeper service is expected to cut travel time to nearly 15 to 17 hours.
This would make rail travel more competitive with flights when total airport travel and waiting time are considered.
Official confirmation shared
The approval was reportedly communicated through an official letter from Ashwini Vaishnaw dated April 5.
The development gained wider public attention after P C Mohan shared the update on social media, calling it good news for travellers.
Route and features
Reports suggest the train may run through Pune, Solapur, Kalaburagi, Raichur and Guntakal, improving connectivity across multiple regions.
The premium service is expected to include:
- 16 fully air-conditioned sleeper coaches
- Capacity for 823 passengers
- Speeds up to 180 kmph
- Advanced suspension for smoother rides
- Modern ergonomic berths
Big boost for regular travellers
The service could become highly popular among business travellers, families, students and frequent commuters between the two metro cities.
Indian Railways has also indicated plans to roll out more Vande Bharat Sleeper trains by the end of 2026, signalling a wider shift toward premium overnight travel in India