Bengaluru: In a major boost to long-distance rail connectivity, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has approved a new Vande Bharat sleeper train service between Bengaluru and Mumbai.
The upcoming train will operate between KSR Bengaluru railway station and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), offering passengers a modern and comfortable overnight travel option.
Approval communicated to MP
The approval was conveyed through a letter dated April 5, 2026, addressed to PC Mohan, Member of Parliament from Bangalore Central.
In the letter, the minister stated that the proposal for introducing a Vande Bharat sleeper train between Bengaluru and Mumbai has been cleared, following discussions on improving public convenience and connectivity.
The move is part of the government’s broader strategy to expand premium train services across key routes in the country.
Push for modern long-distance travel
The Bengaluru–Mumbai Vande Bharat sleeper train is expected to significantly enhance travel between the two major economic hubs. The service will offer modern amenities, faster journey times and improved passenger comfort compared to conventional trains.
The introduction of sleeper variants of Vande Bharat trains marks a shift from short-distance day services to long-distance overnight travel, catering to growing demand for premium rail experiences.
Railway officials believe the new service will benefit business travellers, tourists and regular commuters by providing a reliable and efficient alternative to road and air travel.
Part of larger expansion plan
The approval aligns with the government’s accelerated production plan to roll out 12 new Vande Bharat sleeper train sets by December 2026.
The expansion aims to strengthen India’s rail infrastructure and provide world-class travel options across major intercity routes.
The success of earlier services has played a key role in shaping this strategy, encouraging authorities to introduce more such trains on high-demand corridors.
Strong performance of existing services
Vande Bharat trains, first introduced on the New Delhi–Varanasi route in February 2019, have witnessed strong passenger response over the years.
According to official data, the trains have served over 9.1 crore passengers across one lakh trips. In the financial year 2024–25 alone, around 3.98 crore passengers used the service, marking a year-on-year growth of nearly 34 per cent from 2.97 crore passengers in the previous year.
The recently introduced Kamakhya–Howrah Vande Bharat sleeper service has also recorded exceptional demand. In its first 119 trips over three months, the train achieved over 100 per cent occupancy, carrying 1.21 lakh passengers.
Improved connectivity and passenger experience
The Bengaluru–Mumbai route is one of the busiest corridors in the country, linking two major economic and technological centres. The introduction of a Vande Bharat sleeper service is expected to reduce travel fatigue and enhance overall journey experience.
Passengers can expect upgraded onboard facilities, improved safety features and better time efficiency, making rail travel more competitive with other modes of transport.
Conclusion
The approval of the Bengaluru–Mumbai Vande Bharat sleeper train reflects the Indian Railways’ continued push towards modernisation and passenger-centric services. With rising demand for premium travel options, the new service is likely to play a key role in transforming long-distance rail journeys in India.