Bengaluru: The Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat sleeper train is scheduled to begin commercial service on November 3, according to sources. The train is expected to connect Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) Bengaluru with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) Mumbai.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is scheduled to flag off the service at SMVT Bengaluru on November 1 at 10.30 am. The Railway Board is expected to issue the official timetable and other operational details on the same day.

The overnight, air-conditioned service is expected to improve connectivity between the two major cities. Existing trains on the route generally take around 22 to 24 hours, while the new service is expected to complete the journey in approximately 16 hours.

Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat sleeper train: Timings

According to the tentative schedule reported by Deccan Herald, the train will depart from SMVT Bengaluru at 7.50 pm and reach CSMT Mumbai at 11.55 am the following day.

In the return direction, it is expected to leave CSMT Mumbai at 8.10 pm and arrive at SMVT Bengaluru at 11.55 am the next day.

The Bengaluru-to-Mumbai journey is expected to take 16 hours and five minutes, while the return journey will take approximately 15 hours and 45 minutes. These timings remain subject to official confirmation.

Route and expected stoppages

The train will operate via the Guntakal route, with primary maintenance scheduled at SMVT Bengaluru. It is expected to run six days a week.

The proposed stoppages are:

  • Anantapur
  • Guntakal
  • Raichur
  • Kalaburagi
  • Solapur
  • Pune
  • Kalyan

The final list of stops and operating days is expected to be confirmed by the Railway Board.

Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat sleeper train fare

The fare for a third AC (3AC) berth is expected to be approximately Rs 3,000, including onboard meals, according to the report. Official ticket prices and booking details are yet to be confirmed.

The service will use two 16-coach trainsets manufactured by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML). The Railways has also conducted a trial run through the Ghat section between Mumbai and Pune.

Why SMVT Bengaluru has raised concerns

The decision to operate the train from SMVT Bengaluru rather than Krantivira Sangolli Rayanna Bengaluru City railway station (KSR Bengaluru) has drawn criticism from some railway enthusiasts and passengers.

Critics have raised concerns about SMVT Bengaluru's connectivity and suitability as the starting point for a premium overnight service. The operational decision means passengers will need to plan their onward travel to and from the terminal accordingly.

What the new service means for passengers

The Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat sleeper service is intended to improve overnight rail connectivity between two major commercial centres. Its expected journey time of around 16 hours would be shorter than the 22–24 hours taken by many existing trains on the route.

The sleeper configuration is designed for overnight travel, allowing passengers to rest during the journey rather than relying on daytime seating arrangements. The inclusion of meals in the expected 3AC fare could also make the service a premium alternative to conventional overnight trains.

However, the actual benefits for passengers will depend on the final timetable, ticket prices, confirmed stoppages and reliability of operations. The choice of SMVT Bengaluru as the terminal may also affect convenience for travellers who live closer to KSR Bengaluru or depend on connections from the city's main transport hubs.

The reported launch dates, timings, fares and stoppages are tentative until officially confirmed by the Railways.