Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Likely Nov 1, Open To Public Nov 2 | Check Route, Timings, Fares

Last Updated:October 20, 2026, 12:25 IST

Bengaluru and Mumbai could soon get a faster overnight train. The proposed Vande Bharat Sleeper may cut travel time by six hours. Check timings, stoppages and fares

For passengers travelling between Bengaluru and Mumbai, the proposed Vande Bharat Sleeper could offer a faster overnight rail option, potentially saving nearly six hours compared with the Udyan Express.

Indian Railways News: The long wait for a Vande Bharat Sleeper train connecting Bengaluru and Mumbai could soon be over, with the proposed service likely to be flagged off on November 1, coinciding with Karnataka Rajyotsava. Regular services are expected to begin on November 2, according to a report in Moneycontrolalthough the Railway Ministry has yet to officially confirm the launch date and schedule.

The proposed train is expected to connect Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) in Bengaluru with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai. If introduced as proposed, the service could offer passengers a faster overnight rail connection between the country’s technology hub and financial capital, reducing travel time compared with the existing Udyan Express.

The train is likely to operate six days a week, covering approximately 1,118 km. The Railways has yet to officially confirm its proposed schedule, stoppages, coach configuration, and fare structure.

Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper: Proposed Timings

According to the proposed timetable, the Vande Bharat Sleeper will depart from Bengaluru in the evening and reach Mumbai the following morning. The return service will also operate overnight.

The proposed schedule would allow passengers to travel overnight and arrive at their destination by late morning. The Bengaluru service is expected to depart from Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal in Byappanahalli rather than KSR Bengaluru City railway station.

The service is likely to operate six days a week. However, passengers will have to wait for the official railway notification for confirmation of the operating days, timings and booking details.

November 1 is celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava, marking the formation of Karnataka. The proposed launch date coincides with the state festival, although the formal announcement could be affected by the model code of conduct in force for the biennial Karnataka Legislative Council elections.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Stoppages: Seven Stations Likely En Route

The proposed Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to stop at seven stations between the two cities. These include locations in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Maharashtra.

The likely stoppages are:

These stations are part of the proposed route and have not yet been officially confirmed as scheduled halts. The final list, along with arrival and departure times at each station, will be available once the Railways releases the timetable.

How Much Time Could The Vande Bharat Sleeper Save?

The proposed service could significantly reduce rail travel time between Bengaluru and Mumbai.

At present, the Udyan Express is the direct daily train connecting the two cities. It covers approximately 1,134 km in around 22 hours, with an average speed of about 52 kmph.

The proposed Vande Bharat Sleeper would cover approximately 1,118 km in around 16 hours and five minutes on the Bengaluru-to-Mumbai journey. Its estimated average speed is around 69.5-71 kmph.

Based on these estimates, the Vande Bharat Sleeper could cut rail travel time by nearly six hours compared with the Udyan Express. The actual difference will depend on the final timetable, stoppage durations and operational conditions.

Although the road distance is shorter, driving between Bengaluru and Mumbai generally takes around 15-17 hours, depending on the route and traffic. The proposed sleeper train could therefore provide an overnight alternative for passengers who prefer not to drive or travel during the day.

Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper: How Many Berths Will It Have?

The proposed train is expected to feature a 16-coach configuration with a total of 823 berths across three air-conditioned accommodation classes.

The proposed composition is as follows:

The proposed configuration would provide the largest share of berths in AC three-tier, followed by AC two-tier and AC first class. This would give passengers different accommodation options depending on their budget and comfort preferences.

The final coach composition and berth availability will be subject to the official railway announcement.

Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Ticket Prices: Check Expected Fares

The indicative fares reported for the proposed service range from Rs 2,684 for AC three-tier to Rs 4,250 for AC first class. The Railways has not yet officially announced the fare structure.

The indicative fares suggest that the proposed Vande Bharat Sleeper could cost more than the corresponding Udyan Express classes. The difference would be approximately Rs 1,209 for AC three-tier, Rs 1,366 for AC two-tier and Rs 730 for AC first class.

These comparisons are based on the reported indicative fares and approximate Udyan Express prices. Actual ticket costs may vary depending on the final fare notification and applicable charges.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Could Generate Nearly Rs 24 Lakh Per One-Way Trip

The proposed train could also generate substantial passenger revenue if all its berths are occupied.

Based on the reported berth capacity and indicative fares, a fully occupied one-way trip could generate gross passenger-fare revenue of approximately Rs 23.94 lakh.

This is an estimate based on all 611 AC three-tier berths, 188 AC two-tier berths and 24 AC first-class berths being sold at the respective indicative fares. It represents potential gross ticket revenue, not profit, and does not account for operating expenses, concessions, unsold berths or other financial factors.

When Will Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Bookings Open?

Although November 1 has been cited as the likely flag-off date, the Indian Railways has yet to officially confirm the launch, regular service commencement, timetable, stoppages or fares in the information available for this report.

If the proposed schedule proceeds, regular operations could begin on November 2, with six services a week. Booking dates and ticket availability will depend on the official notification and the opening of reservations through authorised railway channels.

For passengers travelling between Bengaluru and Mumbai, the proposed Vande Bharat Sleeper could offer a faster overnight rail option, potentially saving nearly six hours compared with the Udyan Express. The final timetable and fare announcement will determine how the service fits into the existing travel options between the two metropolitan cities.

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What is the expected launch date for the Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper train?

The Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper train is likely to be flagged off on November 1, coinciding with Karnataka Rajyotsava, with regular services expected to begin on November 2. However, the Railway Ministry has not yet officially confirmed the final schedule or launch date.

How much travel time will the Vande Bharat Sleeper save compared to the Udyan Express?

The proposed Vande Bharat Sleeper is estimated to cover the journey between Bengaluru and Mumbai in about 16 hours and 5 minutes. This cuts travel time by nearly six hours compared to the Udyan Express, which takes around 22 hours for the trip.

What are the proposed coach configuration and berth capacity of the new train?

The train is expected to feature a 16-coach configuration offering a total of 823 berths across three air-conditioned classes. This includes 11 AC three-tier coaches, four AC two-tier coaches, and one AC first class coach.

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Parishmita Saikia

A sociologist by training and a storyteller by profession, I spend my days shaping news, and when I’m not chasing deadlines, I’m exploring new places, discovering different cultures and tasting unique…Read More

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