New Sleeper Route Approved
Exciting news for rail travelers! The Union Railway Ministry has officially given its nod for the introduction of a Vande Bharat Sleeper train service
that will operate between KSR Bengaluru and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai. This significant approval marks the second corridor for this advanced sleeper train technology, following its initial launch on the Kolkata-Guwahati route in January. The decision was formally communicated via a letter to PC Mohan, the Lok Sabha MP for Bangalore Central, from Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who expressed his pleasure in announcing the approval. This initiative is poised to significantly improve connectivity and passenger convenience for those traveling between these two major Indian cities, offering a modern and efficient overnight travel solution.
Reduced Travel Time Expected
Commuters can anticipate a considerable reduction in travel time between Bengaluru and Mumbai with the upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper service. Currently, the journey between these two bustling metropolises typically takes at least 20 hours. However, railway officials anticipate that the new Vande Bharat Sleeper will be able to complete the entire route in approximately 15 hours. While the exact operational details, including the specific stoppages along the route and the final journey duration, are still being finalized, the primary objective remains to provide the quickest possible overnight travel experience. This substantial time saving is expected to make overnight train journeys far more appealing and efficient for passengers.
Sleeper Vande Bharat Success
The introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains has already shown promising results, with the initial Kolkata-Guwahati service achieving remarkable passenger uptake. Since its commercial launch in January, the service has served 1.21 lakh passengers across 119 trips within its first three months of operation. This translates to an impressive occupancy rate exceeding 100 percent, indicating a strong demand and growing passenger confidence in this premium overnight rail travel option. The ministry highlighted that all seats on the first commercial run between Kamakhya and Howrah were booked within hours of ticket reservations opening, underscoring the overwhelming positive response from passengers and the viability of this enhanced sleeper service.
Vande Bharat Evolution
The Vande Bharat Sleeper represents the latest iteration in the progressive Vande Bharat series, building upon the success of its predecessors. It follows the Vande Bharat Chair Car, which was introduced in February 2019 for intercity travel over distances of 500 to 800 km, and the Vande Metro (officially named Namo Bharat Rapid Rail), launched in September 2024 for shorter distances between 100 to 300 km. The Sleeper variant is specifically designed for longer intercity routes, typically spanning 1,000 to 1,300 km, providing a comfortable overnight travel experience that combines the familiar comfort of Rajdhani-style sleeping arrangements with the advanced design and technology synonymous with the Vande Bharat brand. BEML has been tasked with the design and development of 10 Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets.
Growing Passenger Preference
Indian Railways is witnessing a substantial surge in passenger numbers across its Vande Bharat Express network. For the fiscal year 2025-26, approximately 3.98 crore passengers utilized Vande Bharat trains, a significant year-on-year increase of nearly 34 percent compared to the 2.97 crore passengers in FY 2024-25. This remarkable growth underscores a clear shift in passenger preference towards faster, more comfortable, and modern rail travel experiences nationwide. Since its inception, the Vande Bharat Express network has served over 9.1 crore passengers across more than 1 lakh trips, demonstrating widespread public trust and sustained demand for these advanced trains.
