In a major step towards upgrading long-distance rail travel, Indian Railways has approved the introduction of a Vande Bharat Sleeper train on the high-demand route between Mumbai and Bengaluru. The announcement was confirmed by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in April 2026.
The premium overnight train will operate between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and KSR Bengaluru City Junction, offering a faster and more comfortable alternative to existing express services. The Mumbai–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to cut travel time to around 16–18 hours, significantly lower than the current 20–24 hours taken by conventional trains.
Positioned as a next-generation overnight service, the train will feature 16 fully air-conditioned sleeper coaches with a total capacity of over 800 passengers. Designed for enhanced passenger comfort, the rake will include ergonomic berths, aircraft-style interiors, automatic doors, advanced suspension systems, and modern sanitation facilities. Improved onboard catering and passenger-centric amenities are also expected to be part of the offering.
This development marks the second Vande Bharat sleeper route in India, following the rollout of the Howrah–Kamakhya service, and aligns with Indian Railways’ broader strategy to introduce a network of modern sleeper trains across key intercity corridors.
The Mumbai–Bengaluru route is one of the busiest rail sectors in the country, connecting two major economic and technology hubs. The introduction of a high-speed sleeper service is expected to benefit both business and leisure travellers, while also enhancing overall rail connectivity between western and southern India.
While the project has received official approval, details regarding the timetable, stoppages, and ticket pricing are yet to be announced. The train is likely to be operational by late 2026, as part of Indian Railways’ phased rollout of Vande Bharat sleeper services.
With this move, Indian Railways continues to strengthen its focus on modernisation, speed, and passenger experience, positioning the Vande Bharat platform as the backbone of India’s future-ready rail network.
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