A Major Upgrade for a Key Route
On November 1, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the much-anticipated Vande Bharat Sleeper train from Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) in Bengaluru, bound for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai. This launch marks a significant
milestone, introducing the third Vande Bharat sleeper service in the country and the first in southern India. The new train addresses the high demand for travel between the two bustling metropolises, offering a faster and more comfortable alternative to existing overnight services. The immediate popularity was evident as bookings quickly moved to waiting lists within hours of opening. The service will run six days a week, providing a consistent and reliable premium travel option.
Inside the Modern Sleeper Coaches
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is designed with passenger comfort and modern amenities at its core. Each 16-coach trainset is fully air-conditioned and can accommodate 823 passengers across three classes: AC First Class (24 berths), AC Two-Tier (188 berths), and AC Three-Tier (611 berths). The berths themselves are a significant upgrade, featuring extra cushioning for improved comfort compared to older trains. Thoughtful design touches include easier-to-use ladders for accessing upper and middle berths and sensor-based lighting throughout the interiors. Each berth is equipped with individual reading lights and USB charging ports. For enhanced privacy and convenience, the train features automated doors, fully sealed gangways to reduce noise and dust, and bio-vacuum toilets similar to those in aircraft. Passengers in the First AC coach will have the exclusive amenity of a hot water shower.
The Journey: Timings and Stoppages
The regular service is set to significantly reduce travel time. Train number 27652 will depart from SMVT Bengaluru at 7:45 PM and arrive at CSMT Mumbai at 11:55 AM the next day, completing the journey in just over 16 hours. In the return direction, the train will leave Mumbai at 8:10 PM and reach Bengaluru at noon the following day. This shaves off several hours compared to existing train services on the same route. The train will not operate from Bengaluru on Mondays and from Mumbai on Tuesdays. Key stoppages along the route include major hubs like Pune, Solapur, Kalaburagi, and Guntakal, connecting important centres across Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
Safety and the Future of Rail Travel
Beyond comfort, safety is a paramount feature of the new sleeper express. The train is equipped with the indigenous 'Kavach' automatic train protection system to prevent collisions. It also includes advanced fire detection and suppression systems and CCTV cameras in all coaches for enhanced security. The launch of the Bengaluru–Mumbai service is part of Indian Railways' broader strategy to modernise its long distance network. By offering a premium, high speed alternative to road and air travel for overnight journeys, the Vande Bharat Sleepers are set to become a cornerstone of Indian passenger rail. During the launch, the Railway Minister also announced plans for another Vande Bharat sleeper service connecting Bengaluru and Mumbai via Hubballi, further boosting connectivity for North Karnataka.
