The much-anticipated Vande Bharat Sleeper service connecting Bengaluru and Mumbai could begin operations on October 10 or 11, subject to the Railway Board’s final notification. The proposed overnight train will link Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) Bengaluru with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai.
The service is expected to become the second Vande Bharat Sleeper operation in India after the Howrah-Kamakhya service, which began in January 2026. It will also mark the introduction of the sleeper variant on a major inter-state corridor connecting Karnataka and Maharashtra.
The trainsets have been developed using technology from Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, while manufacturing has been undertaken by Bengaluru-based BEML. South Western Railway has received two trainsets for the proposed route, each comprising 16 coaches. Both rakes have undergone testing and inspections ahead of their planned passenger operations.
The availability of two trainsets will support regular overnight services in both directions, with one rake operating each way as part of the rotation.
Earlier reports indicated that the train could operate via Kalaburagi and Solapur, with the journey expected to take around 15 hours. However, the final route, timings, stoppages and frequency will be confirmed only after the Railway Board issues its notification.
The service has faced several delays since receiving approval from the Railway Ministry in April 2026. Although the trainsets subsequently reached Bengaluru and completed various testing and operational procedures, the proposed launch dates have continued to change.
The sleeper train is designed specifically for long-distance overnight travel, offering sleeping accommodation instead of the conventional seating arrangement used on daytime Vande Bharat services. It could provide passengers with an additional option alongside existing overnight trains, flights and road travel.
Bengaluru is also being developed as an important base for Vande Bharat Sleeper operations. A dedicated maintenance facility is planned at Thanisandra on around 13.95 hectares, with the project intended to support specialised servicing of the longer sleeper trainsets.
For now, October 10 or 11 remains an expected launch window rather than a confirmed date. Passengers will need to wait for the Railway Board’s formal notification before booking tickets or relying on the proposed schedule.
Source: News Karnataka
