Bengaluru-Mumbai travel time to drop by 7-8 hours with Vande Bharat Sleeper: How it differs from Udyan Express
The proposed Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat train is expected to meet the longstanding demand of commuters who have been seeking faster rail connectivity for more than 30 years.
Bengaluru-Mumbai travellers will soon experience a reduction in travel time, thanks to the upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper train service between these two major cities. According to recent reports, the new train is expected to slash the journey from nearly 24 hours to just under 16 hours. This significant improvement in travel time is made possible by cutting down the number of stops the train makes.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper train is set to launch later this month, connecting KSR Bengaluru and Mumbai CSMT. As the second Vande Bharat Sleeper train after the inaugural service between Guwahati and Howrah, it aims to address the long-standing demand for faster rail connectivity from commuters over the past three decades.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper boasts modern features to ensure a faster, safer, and more comfortable journey for passengers. With 16 passenger coaches, it includes 11 AC 3-tier coaches, four AC 2-tier coaches, and one AC First Class coach. The train is designed to run at speeds of up to 160 kmph, although it has been tested at up to 180 kmph.
Despite several sections of the Indian Railways network lacking the necessary infrastructure for these speeds, the sleeper coaches draw inspiration from European designs, offering cushioned berths for enhanced comfort.
Passengers can expect individual reading lights, charging points, and refreshment tables in every coach. Additional amenities comprise dedicated night lights, public announcement systems with visual displays, CCTV cameras, and modular pantry units. The train is equipped with bio-vacuum toilets, modeled after those found on aircraft, along with a separate toilet for passengers with disabilities featuring a baby-care station. AC First Class passengers will also have access to shower facilities with hot water.
Safety is a top priority, with the train incorporating the indigenous KAVACH anti-collision system and regenerative braking technology to improve energy efficiency. Automatic doors that connect the coaches and sealed gangways help maintain temperature and air quality throughout the train. A Centralised Coach Monitoring System and an emergency communication system, enabling passengers to speak directly to the driver when needed, further ensure a safe and convenient journey.
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