New sleeper Vande Bharat to connect Bengaluru, Mumbai in 16–18 hours via Kalaburagi

The much-awaited Bengaluru–Mumbai Vande Bharat train has received a green signal from Indian Railways, with services likely to begin by the end of July.

Bengaluru Central MP P C Mohan and Dharwad MP Pralhad Joshi said the premium train will run through the Kalyana Karnataka region via Kalaburagi. They also noted that a separate superfast train connecting Bengaluru and Mumbai via Hubballi is being planned, which could later be upgraded to a Vande Bharat sleeper service.

Journey details

While the final fare and exact travel time are yet to be announced, the train is expected to significantly cut journey duration. It is likely to take around 16–18 hours, compared to the existing Udyan Express, which takes about 22 hours on the same route.

The new Vande Bharat service will operate between KSR Bengaluru (Majestic) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (CSTM) Terminus in Mumbai, passing through key cities such as Pune, Solapur and Kalaburagi. It is expected to run six days a week.

Also read: Local cuisine, upgraded facilities, no VIP quota: What to expect on Vande Bharat Sleeper

Designed for overnight travel, the train will feature upgraded onboard facilities aimed at enhancing passenger comfort. It is likely to use the latest 16-coach Vande Bharat sleeper rakes currently under production.

With a total capacity of around 823 passengers, the sleeper version will include AC First Class, AC 2-tier and AC 3-tier coaches, along with modern amenities such as the Kavach anti-collision system.

Vande Bharat trains

At present, the Howrah–Kamakhya (Guwahati) route hosts the only operational Vande Bharat sleeper service in the country, launched in January 2026. Indian Railways plans to roll out 12 such sleeper trains by the end of the year.

Also read: Insect in Vande Bharat onboard meal triggers hygiene concerns

First introduced in February 2019, Vande Bharat Express trains are semi high-speed services aimed at reducing travel time while offering improved comfort and modern features.