Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Train High Speed Trials Captured: Launch Likely on November 1; Pune Stop, Timings and Fares
The proposed Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper train is expected to be flagged off on November 1, coinciding with Karnataka Rajyotsava, with regular passenger services scheduled to begin on November 2. The train is expected to stop at Pune Junction, offering passengers a faster overnight rail connection between Bengaluru and Mumbai.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is expected to flag off the inaugural service. However, the South Western Railway (SWR) is yet to issue official confirmation, a final timetable or a formal Railway Board notification. The launch, initially expected in October, was delayed due to the Model Code of Conduct being in force for the Karnataka Legislative Council elections.
The train will operate six days a week between Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) in Bengaluru and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai, covering 1,118 km. Unlike services originating from KSR Bengaluru, this train will start from SMVT at Byappanahalli. It is expected to be the first Vande Bharat sleeper service in Southern India.
The proposed route includes seven intermediate stops at Anantapur, Guntakal Junction, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Solapur, Pune Junction and Kalyan Junction.
A rail enthusiast captured the high speed trails of the train while it was skipping Thane railway station. Watch the video below:
As per the proposed schedule, the train will depart SMVT Bengaluru at 7.50 pm and reach CSMT Mumbai at 11.55 am the following day. In the return direction, it will leave Mumbai at 8.10 pm and arrive in Bengaluru at 11.55 am the next day. The projected journey time is around 16 hours and five minutes, potentially reducing travel time between the two cities by six to eight hours.
The train will have 16 coaches with a total capacity of 823 berths. The configuration includes 11 AC three-tier coaches with 611 berths, four AC two-tier coaches with 188 berths, and one AC first-class coach with 24 berths.
The estimated fares are ₹2,684 for AC three-tier, ₹3,466 for AC two-tier and ₹4,250 for AC first class. Reservations will open only after the railway authorities issue the formal notification.
The existing Udyan Express takes around 22 to 24 hours to cover the 1,134-km Mumbai-Bengaluru route. Its fares are ₹1,475 for AC three-tier, ₹2,100 for AC two-tier and ₹3,520 for first class. Road journeys between the cities generally take 15 to 18 hours.
The new sleeper train is expected to benefit business travellers, IT professionals and other passengers travelling between the two major industrial and financial centres. For Pune passengers, the proposed halt would provide another overnight rail option on the busy Bengaluru-Mumbai corridor.
The trainsets were manufactured by BEML in Bengaluru under a programme led by the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai. SWR commissioned two 16-coach trainsets in August. Railway authorities are also reviewing onboard catering arrangements to provide suitable meals and improve comfort during overnight journeys.
