Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper: Route Via Raichur, Yadgir, Kalaburagi; Check Travel Time, Launch Date

The Bengaluru-Mumbai rail corridor is set to get a major upgrade with the proposed introduction of a Vande Bharat sleeper train. The new overnight service is expected to bring the travel time between the two cities down to around 16 hours, offering passengers a faster alternative to conventional long-distance trains.

Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: Route, Fare, Travel Time, Coaches, Stoppages And Launch Details

South Western Railway is preparing for the launch, with two 16-coach Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets commissioned for the proposed service. The trainsets have been manufactured by BEML in Bengaluru as part of a program undertaken by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai.

The service is yet to receive its final timetable and commercial launch date. Before passenger operations begin, the train will undergo trials on the route, including speed testing and other operational checks.

Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Travel Time

The proposed Vande Bharat sleeper service is expected to complete the Bengaluru-Mumbai journey in approximately 16 hours. This could significantly reduce travel time compared with several existing overnight rail services operating between the two cities.

Trains such as the Udyan Express and SMVT Bengaluru-LTT Mumbai Express generally take close to 24 hours to cover the route. A journey of around 16 hours would therefore make the new sleeper service a potentially attractive option for passengers looking to travel overnight without spending almost an entire day on the train.

Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Coach Configuration

The new train will have a total of 16 coaches. The proposed coach composition includes 11 AC 3-tier coaches, four AC 2-tier coaches and one First AC coach. The inclusion of different AC classes is expected to give passengers multiple fare and comfort options. The First AC and 2AC coaches would cater to passengers seeking a more premium travel experience, while the larger 3AC component would provide a relatively affordable sleeper option.

Mumbai-Bangalore Vande Bharat Sleeper Expected Fare

The expected fare for the AC 3-tier class is around Rs 3,000, including onboard meals. However, passengers should note that the final fare structure has not been officially notified and could be confirmed only when the Railways announces the commercial details of the service.

Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Route Through Kalyana Karnataka Via Raichur, Yadgir, Kalaburagi & More

One of the key features of the proposed service is its planned alignment through the Kalyana Karnataka region. The route is expected to pass through Raichur, Yadgir and Kalaburagi before continuing towards Mumbai.

The proposed alignment is around 1,137 km long. Railway officials have indicated that the route is fully electrified and doubled, while most sections are capable of handling trains at speeds of up to 130 km/h.

The proposed alignment has also generated discussion over whether the Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat sleeper should operate through Hubballi.

Some public representatives and railway activists had pushed for the Hubballi route, citing the potential benefits for connectivity in Karnataka's hinterland. However, railway officials have pointed out operational differences between the two alternatives.

The Hubballi alignment would reportedly cover approximately 1,216 km and includes single-track portions along with sections where trains face speed restrictions. By comparison, the proposed Kalyana Karnataka route is shorter and has double-track and electrified infrastructure.

KSR Bengaluru Or SMVT Bengaluru: Which Station Will Host Mumbai-Bangalore Vande Bharat Train?

Another decision that is yet to be finalised is the Bengaluru terminal from which the Vande Bharat sleeper service will operate. Railway authorities are considering both KSR Bengaluru and Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) Bengaluru. Parikshit Mohanpuria, Additional Divisional Railway Manager, Operations, Bengaluru, said both terminals were being examined.

The final terminal will also have implications for maintenance arrangements, including where the trainsets will undergo primary maintenance.

For passengers, the choice could influence accessibility. KSR Bengaluru is located closer to several central parts of the city, while SMVT Bengaluru is a newer terminal that has been developed to handle additional railway traffic and passenger services.

Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Launch Date

The official launch date of the Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat sleeper train has not yet been announced. Before the service is opened to passengers, the train will undergo route trials and speed assessments. RDSO will also conduct speed trials as part of the safety and operational approval process.

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