Bengaluru: The Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is set to provide passengers with a faster and more comfortable overnight travel option between two major economic centres in western and southern India. Regular services are scheduled to begin on Monday, November 2, connecting Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) in Bengaluru with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai.
The new train is expected to cover the distance in approximately 16 hours, significantly reducing travel time compared with several existing services on the route. It will operate six days a week and have eight intermediate halts across Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the train from SMVT Bengaluru on Sunday. According to the Ministry of Railways, the service is aimed at strengthening connectivity between Maharashtra and Karnataka. The South Western Railway Zone will be responsible for operating and maintaining the train.
The introduction of the overnight service is expected to benefit passengers travelling between Bengaluru and Mumbai for business, work, education and other purposes. With sleeper berths and facilities designed for overnight journeys, the train offers an alternative to existing long-distance rail services and air travel.
Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper: Bookings and fares
Bookings for the new Vande Bharat Sleeper Express are open. Passengers can reserve tickets through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website, railway reservation counters and the RailOne mobile application.
The fare for the full journey varies according to the class of accommodation. The indicative fares provided for the service are:
| Class | Fare |
|---|---|
| AC 3 Tier | Rs 2,810 |
| AC 2 Tier | Rs 3,630 |
| AC First Class | Rs 4,450 |
The fares range from approximately Rs 2,800 to Rs 4,500 for the complete Mumbai-Bengaluru journey. Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be applicable separately, where applicable.
Passengers should check the IRCTC reservation system for the final fare, availability and applicable charges before booking. The amount payable may vary depending on the booking details and applicable railway charges.
Travellers can use the official IRCTC platform to select their boarding and destination stations, check available berths and complete reservations. Booking through authorised railway channels is advisable to ensure that passengers receive the correct fare and travel information.
Schedule and timings of the Vande Bharat Sleeper
The train will operate in both directions, with separate departure and arrival timings for the Bengaluru-Mumbai and Mumbai-Bengaluru services.
According to a post shared by the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Mumbai Central Railway, the Bengaluru-originating service will operate as train number 27652. It will depart from SMVT Bengaluru at 7.45 pm and arrive at CSMT Mumbai at 11.55 am the following day.
The journey will take approximately 16 hours and 10 minutes.
In the opposite direction, train number 27651 will leave CSMT Mumbai at 8.10 pm and reach SMVT Bengaluru at noon the next day. The return journey is scheduled to take around 15 hours and 50 minutes.
The operating days will differ depending on the direction of travel:
- Bengaluru to Mumbai: Six days a week, except Mondays.
- Mumbai to Bengaluru: Six days a week, except Tuesdays.
Regular services originating from Mumbai are scheduled to commence on Monday, November 2. The Bengaluru-originating service will begin on Tuesday, November 3.
Passengers should check the latest timetable and reservation details before travelling, particularly during the initial days of operation.
All eight halts on the Mumbai-Bengaluru route
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will pass through Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It will have eight intermediate stops, connecting passengers to important railway stations and cities along the route.
According to the Railway Board timetable, the eight halts are:
- Kalyan
- Pune
- Solapur
- Kalaburagi
- Yadgir
- Raichur
- Guntakal
- Anantapur
The stops in Karnataka are particularly significant for passengers travelling to and from North Karnataka. Kalaburagi, Yadgir and Raichur will provide access to the new service for people in these regions.
Pune and Kalyan will serve passengers in Maharashtra, while Guntakal and Anantapur will connect the train to important locations in Andhra Pradesh.
The intermediate stops are expected to make the service useful beyond the two terminal cities. Passengers travelling between the smaller destinations along the route may also benefit, subject to the availability of reservations and the train’s scheduled stoppage timings.
Coach composition and passenger capacity
The Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will have 16 coaches, with accommodation across three classes. The train will comprise 11 AC 3 Tier coaches, four AC 2 Tier coaches and one AC First Class coach.
Its total passenger capacity will be approximately 823 berths.
The coach composition provides a larger share of accommodation in AC 3 Tier, while also offering AC 2 Tier and First Class options for passengers seeking different levels of comfort and privacy.
As a sleeper service, the train is designed to allow passengers to travel overnight and reach their destination the following morning. The arrangement is intended to make long-distance journeys more convenient, particularly for those who prefer travelling at night rather than spending a full day on the train.
Key features and passenger amenities
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express includes several facilities designed to improve passenger comfort during overnight journeys. Its interiors and onboard systems incorporate features for convenience, privacy and safety.
Comfortable sleeping berths: The train will have cushioned, ergonomically designed berths. Upper berths will be equipped with ladders intended to make climbing easier for passengers.
Charging and storage facilities: Passengers will have separate charging points for mobile phones and laptops, along with phone holders and luggage storage space at each berth. These facilities are intended to make it easier to keep personal devices charged and belongings organised during the journey.
Individual reading lights and curtains: Reading lights will allow passengers to use their berths without disturbing others. Curtains will provide additional privacy, particularly during overnight travel.
Safety systems: The train will feature automatic doors and the Kavach train protection system. An emergency talk-back facility will also be available to help passengers communicate with railway staff when assistance is required.
Modern toilets: The coaches will have bio-toilets with sensor-based flushing systems. Dedicated washbasin and mirror areas are also part of the onboard facilities.
Pantry facility: A modern pantry will support scheduled meal services during the journey, allowing passengers to access food while travelling overnight.
Improved locomotive cabin: The locomotive pilot cabin will feature digital displays, updated control panels and integrated propulsion systems. These systems are designed to support train operations and provide a modern working environment for the crew.
Maximum speed and expected travel time
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express has been designed for speeds of up to 180 kmph. However, this is its designed maximum speed and does not mean the train will operate at that speed throughout the journey.
Actual operating speeds will depend on track conditions, railway infrastructure, signalling arrangements and other operational requirements along the route.
The scheduled journey time is approximately 16 hours between Mumbai and Bengaluru. This is expected to offer a considerable time advantage over several existing train services, which can take around 22 to 24 hours or longer, depending on the service and operating conditions.
The overnight schedule is another important feature. Passengers can board in the evening, travel through the night and arrive the following day, making it possible to use daytime hours more effectively.
What the new service means for Karnataka and Maharashtra
The launch of the Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is an important addition to rail connectivity between Karnataka and Maharashtra. Bengaluru and Mumbai are major centres for business, technology, finance, education and employment, and there is regular movement of passengers between the two cities.
The service is also expected to improve connectivity for parts of North Karnataka. With stops at Kalaburagi, Yadgir and Raichur, the train will provide additional travel options for passengers from these districts.
The inclusion of Pune, Solapur, Guntakal and Anantapur further extends the service’s reach across the three states. Its six-day operating schedule in both directions will offer passengers a regular overnight travel option, although travellers will need to plan around the different weekly operating days.
With its 16-coach configuration, multiple accommodation classes and facilities tailored for sleeper travel, the train is intended to combine the convenience of an overnight service with the features of the Vande Bharat platform.
For passengers planning to travel between Bengaluru and Mumbai, the key details to check before booking are the departure date, direction of travel, boarding station, fare category and berth availability. The new service is scheduled to begin regular operations from November 2, with the Bengaluru-originating journey starting a day later.