The Official Schedule and Timings
The regular commercial service for this highly anticipated train is set to begin on November 2, 2026, from Mumbai and November 3, 2026, from Bengaluru. The train will operate six days a week. Train No. 27652, from SMVT Bengaluru to Mumbai CSMT, will depart
Bengaluru at 7:45 PM and arrive in Mumbai at 11:55 AM the next day. This service will not run on Mondays. In the return direction, Train No. 27651 will depart from Mumbai CSMT at 8:10 PM and reach SMVT Bengaluru at 12:00 PM (noon) the following day. This service will not operate on Tuesdays. The inaugural special was flagged off by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on November 1, 2026.
A Faster Journey: Route and Key Stoppages
Connecting the Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) in Bengaluru with the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai, the train significantly cuts down travel time. The journey is expected to take approximately 16 hours, a major improvement over the 22 to 24 hours taken by many existing trains on this corridor. The train will traverse through Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra, serving several key commercial and cultural hubs. The scheduled stops for the regular service are Anantapur, Guntakal, Raichur, Yadgir, Kalaburagi, Solapur, Pune, and Kalyan.
Inside the Vande Bharat Sleeper: What’s New?
As a sleeper service, this Vande Bharat train is designed for overnight comfort. It comprises 16 coaches with a total capacity of 823 berths, split across three classes: AC First Class, AC 2-Tier, and AC 3-Tier. The interiors feature a host of modern amenities aimed at providing a superior travel experience. Passengers can expect ergonomically designed berths and user-friendly ladders for accessing the upper berths. The coaches are equipped with advanced features like sensor-based lighting, multiple charging points for electronic devices, automatic doors, and bio-vacuum toilets. Special attention has been paid to creating a smoother ride with minimal jerks and improved soundproofing for a quieter journey.
Fare Structure and Booking Details
Ticket bookings for the commercial runs have already commenced. The fare structure is competitive and varies by class. For the full journey from Bengaluru to Mumbai, the indicative fare for AC 3rd Tier is approximately ₹2,810. A berth in AC 2nd Tier costs around ₹3,630, while the premium AC First Class is priced at about ₹4,450. These fares may vary slightly based on catering choices and dynamic pricing. Passengers are advised to check the official IRCTC website for final prices and availability. The train's popularity is already evident, with tickets for the initial runs selling out quickly.
A Game Changer for a Vital Corridor
The introduction of this service is a significant milestone, addressing a longstanding demand for faster and more efficient connectivity between two of India's most important economic hubs. For years, passengers had limited direct overnight options. This Vande Bharat Sleeper not only bridges that gap but also sets a new standard for rail travel in the country. During the launch, the Railway Minister also announced plans for a future Vande Bharat Sleeper service from Bengaluru that would connect northern Karnataka via Hubballi before proceeding towards Pune and Mumbai, further bolstering regional connectivity.
