Kamal Ghorui
Vande Bharat trains have truly transformed the face of domestic travel in India. It is not only about speed, but also about how travellers experience the overall journey. In a recent official update, the Indian Railways has approved Vande Bharat Sleeper train between Mumbai and Bengaluru. It is another major step in luxury long-distance travel after introducing India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train between Howrah (West Bengal) and Guwahati/Kamakhya (Assam).The announcement was confirmed through an official communication by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw dated April 5. But the news attracted more public attention after Bengaluru Central MP P. C. Mohan shared the letter on his X profile,“New Vande Bharat Sleeper train between Bengaluru and Mumbai approved.”Good news for travellers
As of now, travelling between Mumbai and Bengaluru by train takes around 21–23 hours on traditional express services like the Udyan Express. But with the new Vande Bharat Sleeper train, this time could dramatically come down, with estimates suggesting around 15–17 hours. It will change how people travel between Mumbai and Bengaluru. As per updates, the premium train is planned via the Kalyana Karnataka region (Kalaburagi).The train will feature:16 modern sleeper coaches fully air-conditioned 823 passenger capacityTop speeds of up to 180 km/hAdvanced suspension for smoother ridesErgonomically designed sleeping berthsThese upgrades are part of Indian Railways broader vision to make overnight trains comparable to airline-level comfort.Route and connectivity Reports suggest the train could run via major junctions including:PuneSolapurKalaburagiRaichurGuntakalThis will be India’s second Vande Bharat Sleeper train. The plan includes daily operations with two rakes, one from each city for both business and leisure travellers.For those travelling between Mumbai and Bengaluru regularly, this train could become a game-changer. It is a time saver, offers city to city connectivity, comfortable and competitive pricing compared to flights.Earlier this year, the rail minister had stated that the production of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains has been sped up. 12 such trains are planned by December 2026. “12 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains – comprising six rakes on each side – will be rolled out by the end of 2026,” he said.The Mumbai–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper is not just another train. It is how Indian travellers now want to travel domestically. For travellers, this is not a necessity, but a preference.
