At present, trains like the Udyan Express take over 18 hours, while the Coimbatore Express can take nearly 19 hours and 20 minutes. This new service is designed to cut that time down while improving comfort.
Route and launch timeline
The new sleeper train between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and KSR Bengaluru Railway Station received official approval on April 5, 2026. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the update in a letter to MP PC Mohan. This will be the second Vande Bharat Sleeper train in India, after the first one on the Howrah-Kamakhya route launched on January 17, 2026.
The train will start from Mumbai and pass through Pune, Solapur and Wadi before reaching Bengaluru. Some sections of the route, including Daund-Wadi and Wadi-Guntakal, have already been upgraded to support speeds of up to 130 kmph.
Alternative routes via Kalaburagi or Hubballi are also under consideration. The service is expected to begin by December 2026, though an exact launch date is yet to be announced.
Schedule, fare and booking details
The train is likely to run six days a week, with one day kept aside for maintenance. It is expected to depart around 9 pm from both ends, making overnight travel smooth and convenient. Two train sets will be used to maintain frequency in both directions.
Fare estimates suggest around ₹ 2,500 for AC 3-tier, ₹ 3,000 to ₹ 3,200 for AC 2-tier, and ₹ 3,600 to ₹ 3,900 for First AC. There will be no dynamic pricing, and meals will be included in the ticket. The booking system will follow a strict rule under which only fully confirmed tickets will be issued, with no RAC or waitlist.
Features and capacity
The train will have 16 coaches and a total capacity of 823 passengers. This includes 11 AC 3-tier coaches, 4 AC 2-tier coaches and 1 First AC coach. Passengers can expect modern features like orthopaedic berths, reading lights, charging points and soft night lighting. First AC will offer added facilities such as showers and baby care areas.
The key highlight of this train will be its safety and comfort. It will have CCTV surveillance and the ‘Kavach’ anti-collision system. Although it has been tested at speeds of up to 180 kmph, operational speeds will be around 130 kmph. Once the train number and schedule are announced, tickets will be available on the IRCTC website and app. Bookings can be made up to 120 days in advance.
