Indian Railways is preparing to enhance its overnight train services with the introduction of two new Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. These services will connect Mumbai with Bengaluru and Varanasi with New Delhi. The Mumbai-Bengaluru service is slated for inauguration on October 31, while the Varanasi-New Delhi service will commence on November 1.

The new trains aim to provide expedited overnight travel options for various passengers, including business travellers, students, and tourists. The Mumbai-Bengaluru route will cover approximately 1,000 kilometres in 15 hours and 45 minutes, while the Varanasi-New Delhi service will operate overnight, passing through Prayagraj and Kanpur.

This expansion will augment the existing Vande Bharat Sleeper network, which currently includes a service between Howrah and Kamakhya.

Details of the Mumbai-Bengaluru Service

The Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper train will operate between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai and Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) in Bengaluru. The route will include stops at Kalyan, Pune, Solapur, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Guntakal, and Anantapur.

As a significant link between two major economic hubs in Maharashtra and Karnataka, this service aims to facilitate travel for individuals commuting for work or leisure. The train has successfully completed trial runs at speeds reaching 160 km/h.

Initially, two trainsets are proposed for this route, with operations expected to run six days a week, pending official confirmation of the schedule and other operational details.

Timings and Fare Structure

The tentative schedule indicates that the Mumbai-Bengaluru train will depart from CSMT at 8.10 pm, arriving at SMVT Bengaluru at 11.55 am the following day. Conversely, the return journey will commence from Bengaluru at 7.50 pm, reaching CSMT at 11.55 am the next day.

This service is projected to reduce travel time by approximately six hours and 20 minutes compared to the existing Udyan Express. The fare structure for the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains is calculated on a per-passenger, per-kilometre basis, with rates ranging from Rs 2.40 to Rs 3.80 per kilometre.

For a journey of 1,000 kilometres in the third air-conditioned class (3AC), the indicative fare is Rs 2,400, excluding GST. This pricing is reported to be lower than similar services in other countries.

Reservation and Facilities

The Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will not offer Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) tickets, as they are classified under a distinct passenger service category with an all-inclusive fare structure. Passengers on the waiting list may secure confirmed tickets if cancellations occur.

Reservation quotas will be available for senior citizens, female passengers aged 45 years and above, and pregnant women, ensuring accessibility. Specific quotas will also be allocated for persons with disabilities and their attendants in various classes of service.

Food services on the Mumbai-Bengaluru route are being finalised in collaboration with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), with a focus on regional cuisines. The proposed sleeper configuration aims to provide an alternative to air travel, enhancing overnight connectivity between the two cities.

The introduction of these services is part of Indian Railways’ broader initiative to cater to diverse travel needs while maintaining competitive pricing. The final timetable for regular operations is expected to be announced shortly, with the trains anticipated to run six days a week, excluding Saturdays.

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