Indian Railways has been expanding its premium train services to improve passenger comfort and reduce travel times on major routes. While regular Vande Bharat trains offer chair-car seating, the sleeper version provides air-conditioned berths for more comfortable overnight journeys.
The Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to be the next addition to this network, connecting two major cities through an overnight service. The Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper train is expected to begin commercial operations on November 3, a source told The Deccan Herald.
The train is scheduled to be flagged off by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on November 1. The overnight, air-conditioned service is expected to connect Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) Bengaluru with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai. It would be south India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper service, catering to passengers travelling between the two major cities.
⏳Countdown Begins!
From the Garden City to the City of Dreams!
Get ready for a new era of overnight rail travel as the #Bengaluru -#Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is all set to connect two of India’s vibrant metropolitan cities with speed, comfort and modern amenities.
4 Days to Go!
#VandeBharatSleeper
@drmsbc— South Western Railway (@SWRRLY) October 28, 2026
The Railway Board is expected to announce the final timetable, operating days, stoppages and other details on November 1.
Expected route and timings
The train is expected to leave SMVT Bengaluru at 7.50 pm and arrive at CSMT Mumbai at 11.55 am the following day. On the return journey, it is likely to depart Mumbai at 8.10 pm and reach Bengaluru at 11.55 am.
Under this proposed timetable, the Bengaluru-Mumbai journey would take around 16 hours and five minutes, while the return trip would take approximately 15 hours and 45 minutes.
The train is expected to follow the Guntakal route, with proposed stops at Anantapur, Guntakal, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Solapur, Pune and Kalyan. The service is reportedly planned to operate six days a week, with primary maintenance at SMVT Bengaluru.
What is the expected fare?
The fare for a three-tier AC sleeper berth is expected to be around ₹3,000, including onboard meals. The final fare structure and booking details are subject to an official announcement by the Railways.
How is Vande Bharat Sleeper different from regular Vande Bharat trains?
The main difference is the type of accommodation. Regular Vande Bharat services primarily offer chair-car seating, including AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car options, making them suited to daytime journeys.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper variant is designed for overnight and longer-distance travel. It offers air-conditioned sleeping berths, allowing passengers to rest during the journey rather than remain seated throughout the trip.
The Bengaluru-Mumbai service is expected to reduce travel time compared with existing trains on the route. The fastest current services reportedly take around 22 hours, while the new sleeper train is expected to complete the journey in approximately 16 hours, subject to the final timetable.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper has no RAC tickets, so two passengers do not have to share a single berth. Waitlisted tickets are confirmed only if passengers with confirmed bookings cancel their reservations. Each 16-coach trainset has a capacity of 823 passengers, with 11 AC Three-Tier coaches, four AC Two-Tier coaches and one AC First Class coach.
Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper: Route, expected fare and how it differs from regular trains
