Travelling between Pune and Bengaluru is set to become significantly faster and more convenient with the upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. Passengers will be able to board the train at night, rest comfortably,
and arrive at their destination the next morning, all within approximately 13 hours.
At present, the same journey takes around 18 hours 15 minutes via the Udyan Express and nearly 19 hours 20 minutes on the Coimbatore Express.
The new sleeper train between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and KSR Bengaluru received official approval on April 5, 2026. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the development in a letter addressed to the Bengaluru Central MP PC Mohan. This will be the second Vande Bharat Sleeper service in the country, following the launch of the first train on the Howrah-Kamakhya route on January 17, 2026.
Route, Stations And Track Upgrades
The train will originate from CSMT Mumbai and travel to Bengaluru via Pune, Solapur and Wadi.
Railway officials have indicated that key sections, including the Daund-Wadi and Wadi-Guntakal routes, have already been upgraded to support speeds of up to 130 km per hour. Alternative routing via Kalaburagi or Hubballi is also being considered.
Importantly, the new service will not replace existing trains like the Udyan Express; both services will continue to operate simultaneously.
Expected Launch Timeline
While an official launch date has not yet been announced, government sources suggest that operations are likely to begin by the end of 2026, around December.
The Railway Minister has also indicated that a total of 12 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are expected to be operational across India by that time. Preparatory work is currently being finalised by South Western Railway.
Schedule And Frequency
The train is expected to run six days a week, with one day reserved for maintenance. It will likely depart from both Mumbai and Bengaluru at around 9 pm, allowing passengers to arrive early in the morning.
To ensure consistent service in both directions, two train sets will be deployed.
Estimated Fare And Ticketing Rules
Although official fares have not been finalised, estimates based on the first Vande Bharat Sleeper service suggest:
- AC 3-tier: Around Rs 2,500
- AC 2-tier: Approximately Rs 3,000-3,200
- First AC: Around Rs 3,600-3,900
Authorities have clarified that there will be no dynamic pricing for this train, and meal costs will be included in the ticket price.
Additionally, the train will follow a strict reservation policy: there will be no RAC, waitlist, or partially confirmed tickets. Only fully confirmed bookings will be issued.
Onboard Features And Capacity
The train will consist of 16 coaches with a total capacity of 823 passengers. The configuration includes:
- 11 AC 3-tier coaches (611 berths)
- 4 AC 2-tier coaches (188 berths)
- 1 First AC coach (24 berths)
Passengers can expect a range of modern amenities, including orthopaedic berths, individual reading lights and charging points, soft ambient night lighting, and aircraft-style bio-vacuum toilets.
First AC coaches will feature additional facilities such as showers and dedicated baby care areas. The train will also be equipped with CCTV surveillance and the indigenous ‘Kavach’ anti-collision system.
While the train has been tested at speeds of up to 180 km per hour, operational speeds on this route are expected to be capped at around 130 km per hour.
Ticket Booking Process
Once the train number and timetable are officially announced, tickets will be available for booking via the IRCTC website and mobile app.
As per Indian Railways guidelines, reservations can be made up to 120 days, or roughly four months, in advance.
Major Boost For Pune Travellers
The new service is expected to be a significant upgrade for passengers travelling between Pune and Bengaluru, including IT professionals, students, business travellers and tourists.
Currently, travellers often have to choose between long-duration train journeys, costly flights, or physically demanding bus trips. The introduction of a Vande Bharat Sleeper service from Pune is set to provide a faster, more comfortable alternative, marking a major milestone in the city’s rail connectivity.
