Indian Railways has taken another major step towards modernising long-distance train travel with the launch of the Bengaluru–Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Express. The new service is designed to improve overnight connectivity between two of India’s most important commercial centres, offering passengers a modern and comfortable option for long-distance journeys.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav flagged off the train in the presence of other Union ministers and senior officials.
Bengaluru and Mumbai Get a New Overnight Connection
The new Vande Bharat Sleeper Express connects Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal Bengaluru with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai.
The train will depart Bengaluru at 7:45 PM and reach 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 noon the next day.
The service is scheduled to operate six days a week, providing an additional overnight travel option for passengers.
Important Cities Along the Route
The train will connect several important cities across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. Major stops include:
- Anantapur
- Guntakal
- Raichur
- Yadgir
- Kalaburagi
- Solapur
- Pune
- Kalyan
The new connection is particularly significant for passengers travelling through North Karnataka, who will gain access to an additional premium overnight rail service.
Who Will Benefit From the New Train?
The service is expected to benefit business travellers, professionals, students, entrepreneurs, families and tourists.
Its overnight schedule will allow passengers to travel between Bengaluru and Mumbai while making better use of their daytime hours.
It will also strengthen connectivity between important commercial, educational and regional centres along the route.
More Vande Bharat Services Planned
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also indicated plans for additional Vande Bharat connectivity from Bengaluru towards the Hubballi region and Pune.
A Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat service is also expected to begin following the completion of electrification and successful testing on the route.
The Bengaluru–Mumbai Sleeper Express marks another important development in India’s efforts to expand modern overnight railway connectivity.
