Two Vande Bharat Sleeper trains ready in Bengaluru, Railway Board yet to decide zones

Two Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are currently operational in Bengaluru, awaiting final decisions on the routes they will serve from the Railway Board. These trains, boasting an orange-and-grey exterior, have undergone several trial phases and were developed by BEML, utilizing technology from ICF in Chennai. The first service, launched in January 2026, connects Howrah to Kamakhya (Guwahati) and has cut travel time between the cities by up to six hours.

Dharmendra Tewari, Additional Director General of Public Relations at the Railway Board, confirmed the presence of two Vande Bharat Sleeper rakes in the Bengaluru division. However, the specific zones these trains will operate in have yet to be determined by the Railway Board. The trains are anticipated to commence upon the completion of all trials, tests, and necessary approvals.

In May, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the planned introduction of a Vande Bharat Sleeper train between Bengaluru and Mumbai. South and North Karnataka long-standing demands have been addressed with this service. The Minister expressed optimism about the service's potential to enhance long-distance overnight travel while elevating passenger comfort and the overall journey experience.