The Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has approved the introduction of a new Vande Bharat Sleeper train service between Bengaluru and Mumbai, marking a significant step toward enhancing long-distance overnight rail travel in India. The proposed service is expected to improve connectivity between the two major cities while offering upgraded comfort and modern amenities to passengers.

The semi-high-speed sleeper train will run between KSR Bengaluru City Railway Station and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, two of the busiest railway hubs in the country. Once operational, the service is likely to provide a faster and more comfortable alternative to existing overnight trains, catering to both business and leisure travelers.

Officials indicated that the train is expected to be operated and maintained by the South Western Railway zone. The introduction of this service aligns with Indian Railways’ broader push to modernize its fleet and expand the Vande Bharat network, which has already seen success in multiple intercity routes across the country.

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The new Vande Bharat Sleeper train has been developed by BEML using technology from the Integral Coach Factory. Featuring a distinctive orange and grey design, the train is built to deliver enhanced safety, speed, and passenger experience, particularly for long-distance overnight journeys.

This will be the second Vande Bharat Sleeper service in India, following the launch of the first such train earlier in 2026 between Howrah and Kamakhya. The earlier service has reportedly reduced travel time between the two cities by several hours, setting a precedent for similar high-efficiency routes across the country.

The Bengaluru-Mumbai corridor is one of India’s most important travel routes, linking key economic and technological hubs. With the approval now in place, the new Vande Bharat Sleeper train is expected to further strengthen connectivity, reduce travel time, and contribute to the ongoing transformation of India’s railway infrastructure.

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