IBNS-CMEDIA: Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday flagged off the SMVT Bengaluru-Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai, Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, marking a significant step towards strengthening modern overnight rail connectivity between two of India’s major metropolitan and economic centres.
The introduction of the next-generation sleeper train will provide passengers with an additional comfortable and efficient travel option between Bengaluru and Mumbai.
The service is expected to benefit professionals, entrepreneurs, business travellers, students, traders and tourists while improving connectivity across important regional centres in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Following the launch of Vande Bharat Sleeper services on the Howrah-Guwahati corridor in January 2026 and the flagging off of the Varanasi-New Delhi service on Saturday, the Bengaluru-Mumbai train further expands India’s network of modern overnight rail services.
Addressing the flag-off ceremony, Vaishnaw said the new service would connect Bengaluru, the country’s IT and startup capital, with Mumbai, its financial capital.
The train will operate via Anantapur and Guntakal in Andhra Pradesh; Raichur, Yadgir, Wadi and Kalaburagi in Karnataka; and Solapur, Pune and Kalyan in Maharashtra. The service is expected to significantly improve overnight connectivity to several parts of North Karnataka that previously had limited access to premium rail services.
The Railway Minister also announced that the next Vande Bharat Sleeper service for Karnataka would originate from Bengaluru, connect the northern parts of the state towards the Hubballi region and proceed towards Pune and Mumbai.
He further announced that Vande Bharat services between Bengaluru and Mangaluru are expected to commence within the next few weeks, following the completion of electrification and successful testing on the route. The service will strengthen rail connectivity between Bengaluru and coastal Karnataka.
Highlighting the expansion of high-speed rail connectivity, Vaishnaw said the Bengaluru-Chennai journey would take just 73 minutes, while the Bengaluru-Hyderabad journey would be covered in approximately two hours and 10 minutes.
He emphasised that modern railway infrastructure, technology-driven improvements and the expansion of high-speed services would play a crucial role in strengthening passenger connectivity and supporting Karnataka’s economic development.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi also welcomed the new service and appreciated the Railway Ministry’s efforts to strengthen connectivity across Karnataka, particularly in the northern parts of the state.
He highlighted the increased allocation of funds for railway infrastructure and the significant progress made in development projects across the state.
Joshi said investments in railway infrastructure had helped drive expansion and improve safety. Referring to the rollout of the Kavach train protection system, he said railway accident figures had declined from 135 to 16, while reiterating the goal of achieving zero accidents.
He also welcomed the introduction of new Vande Bharat services and the announcement of additional high-speed rail corridors, saying these initiatives would improve passenger connectivity, promote regional development and expand access to modern rail services.
Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper: Timings and Frequency
The new Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will establish an important overnight rail link between Bengaluru, a major hub for information technology, education, innovation and entrepreneurship, and Mumbai, India’s financial and commercial capital.
Both cities witness substantial movement of professionals, entrepreneurs, students, business travellers and families. The new service will allow passengers to undertake long-distance journeys overnight and reach their destination the following day.
The train will connect several important stations along its route, including Anantapur, Guntakal, Raichur, Yadgir, Wadi, Kalaburagi, Solapur, Pune and Kalyan, strengthening connectivity across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.
The train will depart from SMVT Bengaluru at 7.45 pm and arrive at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai, at 11.55 am the following day.
In the return direction, it will depart CSMT at 8.10 pm and reach SMVT Bengaluru at 12 noon the next day.
The service will operate six days a week, except Mondays in the Bengaluru-originating direction and Tuesdays in the Mumbai-originating direction.
The overnight schedule will enable passengers to make better use of their daytime while travelling between the two metropolitan centres. Passengers from cities and towns along the route will also benefit from an additional modern rail travel option.
The flag-off of the Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Express marks another milestone in Indian Railways’ efforts to transform passenger transportation through modern infrastructure, advanced technology and improved connectivity.
Indian Railways remains committed to developing a modern, efficient, safe and passenger-centric transportation network that supports India’s economic growth and connects major metropolitan centres with emerging regional hubs.
