Blr-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper to start soon

The Railway Board is set to approve the SMVT Bengaluru-Mumbai CSMT Vande Bharat Sleeper train, which could begin operations later this month, offering a rapid overnight journey between the two cities, according to TOI. This new sleeper service is predicted to slash travel time between Bengaluru and Mumbai to under 16 hours, contrasting the existing 24-hour journey on the Udyan Express, currently the sole direct train connecting the cities.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper will run six days a week in both directions, barring Mondays for the Bengaluru-bound service and Tuesdays for the Mumbai-bound service. However, the exact departure and arrival times, as well as the specific stops, have yet to be finalized. Currently, the train is expected to leave Bengaluru at 10 pm and arrive in Mumbai at 1:50 am the following day, while the Mumbai-to-Bengaluru service will depart at 10:30 pm, touching down in Bengaluru at 2:50 am the next day.

Notably, the Udyan Express, the current direct train between Bengaluru and Mumbai, plies for approximately 24 hours. Although an official flag-off date is pending, railway authorities are expected to commence the service at an early and convenient date. The Vande Bharat Sleeper aims to cater to the longstanding demand for faster rail connectivity between Mumbai and Bengaluru, a goal that has been pursued for over three decades.

Additionally, the Bengaluru-Madgaon Vande Bharat route is set to be extended to Bengaluru via Hassan, Udupi, and Karwar, further bolstering rail connectivity between Karnataka and Goa, and enhancing accessibility to coastal Karnataka's key destinations, commercial hubs, ports, and tourist attractions.