The long-awaited Vande Bharat Sleeper service between Bengaluru and Mumbai is set to begin operations this month. The Railway Board has approved the overnight train linking KSR Bengaluru (also referred to as SMVT in some reports) with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai, offering a major upgrade on one of India’s busiest inter-city corridors.
Once launched, the service is expected to cut the journey to around 16 hours or less — significantly faster than the existing Udyan Express, which typically takes about 24 hours. This will make it the fastest direct rail option between India’s technology and financial capitals.
Expected Launch and Frequency
Reports indicate the train is likely to be flagged off in October 2026, with some sources pointing to the weekend of October 10–11 as a possible window. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is expected to inaugurate the service in Bengaluru. The Railway Board has directed the concerned zones to introduce the train at an early convenient date and has suggested it could initially run as a special service before being absorbed into the regular timetable.
The service is planned to operate six days a week in both directions. The Bengaluru–Mumbai leg will not run on Mondays, while the Mumbai–Bengaluru service will skip Tuesdays. Two dedicated Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets have been approved for the route.
Proposed Timings
According to the schedule referenced in Railway Board communications:
- Train 27652 (Bengaluru → Mumbai): Departs KSR Bengaluru at 10:00 pm and is expected to reach CSMT at 1:50 pm the next day.
- Train 27651 (Mumbai → Bengaluru): Departs CSMT at 10:30 pm and is scheduled to arrive in Bengaluru at 2:50 pm the following day.
These timings remain provisional and could see minor adjustments once the final notification is issued.
Route and Stoppages
The train will take the Kalyana Karnataka route rather than the longer Hubballi path. Intermediate stops are proposed at:
- Anantapur
- Guntakal
- Raichur
- Kalaburagi
- Solapur
- Pune
- Kalyan
Solapur and Pune have also been identified for watering and terminal-related arrangements. The corridor spans roughly 1,130–1,140 km, is fully electrified and double-tracked, and supports higher speeds on most sections.
Train Composition and Expected Fares
The Vande Bharat Sleeper rakes are 16-coach formations, typically configured with 11 AC 3-tier coaches, four AC 2-tier coaches and one First AC coach. Earlier reports suggested a 3AC fare of around ₹3,000 (including onboard meals), though official fares will be confirmed closer to the launch.
Why It Matters
For decades, passengers travelling between Bengaluru and Mumbai have relied on slower overnight trains. The new Vande Bharat Sleeper addresses a long-standing demand for a faster, more comfortable overnight option that still allows a full night’s rest. It is expected to become India’s second Vande Bharat Sleeper service (after the Howrah–Kamakhya route) and the first in South India.
While the exact flag-off date and final timetable are still being finalised, the Railway Board’s approval and the allocation of two trainsets mark a decisive step. Once operational, the service is likely to ease pressure on existing trains and offer a competitive alternative to air travel for many passengers.