The long-awaited Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is finally connecting India’s tech hub, Bengaluru, with its financial capital, Mumbai. This new service promises to transform overnight travel, offering a faster and more comfortable alternative.
A Major Time-Saver
The most significant
advantage of the new Vande Bharat Sleeper is the massive reduction in travel time. The service, numbered 27652 from Bengaluru and 27651 from Mumbai, will complete the journey in approximately 16 hours. This is a remarkable improvement, saving passengers between six to eight hours compared to existing trains like the Udyan Express, which can take nearly 24 hours. The train will depart from SMVT Bengaluru in the evening at 7:45 PM and arrive at Mumbai CSMT at 11:55 AM the next day. In the return direction, it leaves Mumbai at 8:10 PM and reaches Bengaluru at 12:00 PM.
A Look Inside the Modern Coaches
This isn't your average overnight train. The Vande Bharat Sleeper is designed for comfort and a premium experience. The 16-coach train consists of one AC First Class, four AC 2-Tier, and eleven AC 3-Tier coaches, accommodating a total of 823 passengers. The berths are designed to be wider and better cushioned. The train features improved soundproofing for a quieter journey, sensor-based lighting, and automatic doors. For added convenience, each berth has its own reading lights and charging outlets, including USB ports. The bio-vacuum toilets are equipped with odour-control systems, and First AC passengers will even have access to a hot shower facility.
Enhanced Safety and Connectivity
Safety is a key focus of the new sleeper service. The train is equipped with the Kavach anti-collision system, CCTV cameras for surveillance, and advanced fire detection and suppression systems. An emergency talk-back system also allows passengers to communicate directly with the driver if needed. The train makes only eight stops between the two megacities: Anantapur, Guntakal, Raichur, Yadgir, Kalaburagi, Solapur, Pune, and Kalyan, ensuring a speedier journey. Regular services from Mumbai began on November 2nd, with the Bengaluru service starting on November 3rd, running six days a week.
Fares and Booking Details
As a premium service, the fares are higher than conventional trains but competitive with other modes of transport. A journey from Bengaluru to Mumbai costs approximately ₹2,810 in AC 3rd Tier, ₹3,630 in AC 2nd Tier, and ₹4,450 in AC First Class. While this is more expensive than the Udyan Express, where a 3AC ticket is around ₹1,425, the time savings are substantial. Compared to flights, which can cost anywhere from ₹5,300 to over ₹10,000, and require extra time for airport transit and checkin, the Vande Bharat Sleeper presents a compelling value proposition, especially for those who can travel overnight. Tickets can be booked through the standard IRCTC website and app.
