Indian Railways’ second Vande Bharat sleeper train service is all set to start in the coming days. South Western Railway (SWR) has proposed November 1, the occasion of Karnataka Rajyotsava, for the inaugural special run of the new Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Express.The date on which the train will begin regular commercial operations, however, has not yet been announced. According to SWR sources, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is likely to flag off the service. It will be the first Vande Bharat sleeper train to operate in southern India.
Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat sleeper train: Likely Timings and Fare
The train, likely to be numbered 27651/27652, will have 16 coaches, including 11 AC three-tier coaches, four AC two-tier coaches and one AC first-class coach. Together, they will provide a total of 823 berths.Tickets for the 1,118-km journey could cost between Rs 2,600 and Rs 4,250, with the fare varying according to the class selected. The railway authorities have yet to release the final fare details.It was earlier reported that the Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat sleeper is likely to leave KSR Bengaluru at 10 PM and arrive at Mumbai’s CSMT at 1:50 PM the following day. On the return journey, it could depart CSMT at 10:30 PM and reach Bengaluru at 2:50 PM. However, the timings have not been finalised yet.The new train is expected to cut travel time considerably between Bengaluru and Mumbai, a route that has long been without a quicker overnight rail option. The Udyan Express, the main daily direct service connecting the two cities, currently takes approximately 24 hours to complete the journey. The proposed Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is expected to bring the travel time down to around 16 hours.The planned route will cover Anantapur, Guntakal, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Solapur and Kalyan before arriving in Mumbai.An official said the service could not be introduced in October because the model code of conduct was in force for the Karnataka legislative council elections.
What sets the Vande Bharat sleeper apart?
The Vande Bharat sleeper train has a 16-coach configuration, comprising 11 AC three-tier coaches, four AC two-tier coaches and one AC First Class coach.Designed for operations at speeds of up to 160 kmph, the train has a maximum testing speed of 180 kmph, placing it in the semi-high-speed category. However, much of the Indian Railways network currently lacks the infrastructure needed to support train operations at these speeds.The new train is a much superior travel experience compared to Rajdhani Express trains. The coaches incorporate design features inspired by European trains, including cushioned berths intended to make overnight journeys more comfortable. The upper berths have also been redesigned to make access easier for passengers.Several facilities have been incorporated to improve the onboard experience. These include dedicated night lights, a public announcement system integrated with visual displays, CCTV surveillance and modular pantry units.The train features modern bio-vacuum toilets of the kind used in aircraft. It also has a separate toilet for passengers with disabilities, equipped with a baby care station. Those travelling in AC First Class will have access to showers with hot water.On the safety front, the sleeper variant is equipped with the indigenous KAVACH anti-collision system. It will also feature regenerative braking, a technology used in Vande Bharat chair car trains to improve energy efficiency.Automatic doors connect the coaches, while fully sealed gangways help keep the interiors clean and maintain temperature control throughout the train.Each coach is fitted with individual reading lights, charging points and refreshment tables. GFRP panels have been used for the interiors, and the train’s doors are designed to open automatically at designated stations.Other features include a Centralised Coach Monitoring System and an emergency communication facility through which passengers can contact the driver directly when necessary.Separately, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) is developing its own version of the Vande Bharat sleeper train.
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