A new chapter in Indian rail travel begins as the much-awaited Vande Bharat Sleeper Express connects Bengaluru and Mumbai. This service slashes travel time between India's tech and financial hubs, offering a modern, faster overnight option.
A Game-Changer for Overnight Travel
The inaugural
Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper was officially flagged off on November 1, 2026, marking a significant upgrade for one of the country's busiest travel corridors. Regular commercial services are set to begin from Mumbai on November 2 and from Bengaluru on November 3. The primary advantage of this new service is its speed. The train is expected to cover the 1,118-kilometer journey in about 16 hours. This drastically reduces the current travel time of 22 to 24 hours offered by most existing express trains on the route, saving passengers nearly eight hours. The service connects two major economic powerhouses, Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) in Bengaluru and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai, catering to a wide range of travellers, from business professionals to tourists.
Route and Key Halts
The train is designed for efficient, high-speed travel with limited stops to maintain its schedule. During its regular run, the Vande Bharat Sleeper will make scheduled halts at eight key stations, traversing through Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The designated stops between Bengaluru and Mumbai are: Anantapur, Guntakal, Raichur, Yadgir, Kalaburagi, Solapur, Pune, and Kalyan. The inclusion of Yadgir came after requests from local passenger forums, enhancing connectivity for the region. These brief halts, lasting no more than five minutes each, are crucial for maintaining the fast-paced schedule.
Timetable and Frequency
The service is scheduled to operate six days a week in each direction, providing a reliable daily connection for commuters. Train number 27652 will depart from SMVT Bengaluru at 7:45 PM and is scheduled to arrive at CSMT Mumbai at 11:55 AM the next day. In the return direction, train number 27651 will leave CSMT Mumbai at 8:10 PM and reach SMVT Bengaluru at 12:00 PM the following afternoon. There will be no service from Bengaluru on Mondays and from Mumbai on Tuesdays, allowing for rake maintenance.
Inside the Modern Sleeper
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is not just about speed; it's about a revamped travel experience. The 16nd coach train has a capacity of 823 berths and is fully airconditioned. Passengers can choose from three classes : First AC , Second AC , and Third AC . The interiors feature ergonomically designed berths for better comfort , improved suspension for a smoother journey , and enhanced soundproofing for a quieter night's sleep . Modern amenities include individual charging sockets with USB ports , sensor - based water taps in bio - vacuum toilets , and automatic sliding doors between coaches . For safety , the train is equipped with the advanced KAVACH anti - collision system , CCTV cameras , and a fire detection system .
Fare Structure and Booking
The fare structure positions the Vande Bharat Sleeper as a premium service . While prices are subject to dynamic pricing and catering choices , the initial base fares have been announced . A berth in Third AC is expected to cost around ₹2,810 , while Second AC is priced at approximately ₹3,630 . For those seeking the highest level of comfort , a First AC berth will be about ₹4,450 . The train features one First AC coach , four Second AC coaches , and eleven Third AC coaches , offering a range of options for travellers . Bookings for this service are available through the standard Indian Railways channels .
Expanding India's Premium Rail Network
The Bengaluru - Mumbai route is the third Vande Bharat Sleeper service to be launched in India , following the Howrah - Guwahati and Varanasi - New Delhi corridors . This launch is part of Indian Railways ' broader strategy to modernize its fleet and offer faster , more comfortable alternatives for long - distance overnight travel . At the inaugural event , the Railway Minister also announced plans for another Vande Bharat Sleeper connecting Bengaluru and Mumbai , but via Hubballi , which would significantly boost connectivity for North Karnataka . This indicates a clear focus on expanding this new generation of sleeper trains across the country ' s most vital routes .
