Maharashtra's first Vande Bharat sleeper to run Mumbai-Bengaluru, launch likely on November 1

A new Vande Bharat sleeper express has been readied to make overnight rail travel between Mumbai and Bengaluru more comfortable. It is being described as the country's second and Maharashtra's first Vande Bharat sleeper train. It is expected to start running from November 1. The journey on this route currently takes 24 to 25 hours, while this train is expected to complete it in about 16 hours.

Railways has set November 1 for starting the service. It is Karnataka Rajyotsava, and the inauguration is likely on the same day. According to sources, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw may flag off the train. It will be the first Vande Bharat sleeper express to run in South India.

However, even if the inauguration takes place on November 1, official information on the date regular service will begin has not yet emerged. A railway official said the service could not be started in October because the model code of conduct for the Karnataka Legislative Council elections was in force. The sleeper Vande Bharat Express will run between Mumbai and Bengaluru as train number 27651/27652.

According to the probable timetable, the train will leave Bengaluru at 10 pm and reach Mumbai at 1.50 pm the next day. From Mumbai it will depart at 10.30 pm and reach Bengaluru at 2.50 pm the next day. The train is expected to run from KSR Bengaluru station and arrive at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). The timetable is tentative, and Railways has yet to make an official announcement of the final timings.

The fare for the 1,118-km journey is estimated at between Rs 2,600 and Rs 4,250. The railway administration has not yet announced the official fare, so the actual fare will be clear only after the final announcement.

The train will have 16 coaches: 11 AC three-tier, 4 AC two-tier and 1 first class coach. A total of 823 berths is reported. The coaches have a modern design with features inspired by European trains. The train has been built to give passengers a better experience than the Rajdhani Express.

The train is likely to halt at seven stations on the way. These may include Anantapur, Guntakal, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Solapur, Pune and Kalyan. The stops could benefit passengers from Karnataka, Maharashtra and other areas along the route. The official announcement of the final stops and timetable is still awaited.

At present there are few fast overnight options between Mumbai and Bengaluru. The Udyan Express on this route takes about 24 to 25 hours. The new train could cut the travel time by roughly 6 to 8 hours.

The train is designed for a speed of 160 km per hour. During trials it reportedly touched 180 km per hour, so it is counted among semi-high-speed trains. However, most routes on Indian Railways do not yet have the infrastructure to run trains at such speeds, so the actual speed will depend on the condition of the route.

Among the amenities are cushioned berths, with the design of the upper berths changed to make climbing up and down easier. The train will have modern bio-vacuum toilets like those in aircraft. A separate toilet is also provided for passengers with disabilities. Passengers in AC first class will get a shower with hot water. Other modern amenities have also been added for passenger convenience. Once the service begins, overnight travel between the two cities is expected to be faster and more comfortable.