Mumbai is expected to welcome its first Vande Bharat sleeper train after Dussehra, introducing a faster overnight rail connection between the city and Bengaluru. Railway officials told Hindustan Times that the service will cover approximately 1,153 kilometres in 15–16 hours, significantly reducing the journey compared with the 24-hour Udyan Express.
The train is expected to depart from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) late in the evening. This timing is intended to prevent disruptions to Mumbai’s busy suburban railway network during peak commuting hours. However, authorities have yet to confirm how frequently the service will operate.
The onboard catering arrangements are also being finalised, with plans to offer regional specialities from Maharashtra and Karnataka. The proposed menu could include misal pav, bisibele bath, Mysore pak and thalipith.
An Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) official said, “We are in talks with leading chefs, cloud kitchens and cooking partners who work alongside four and five star hotels to supply food on trains. We are also finalising local cuisines from the two states which will be included in the menu,”
Although the Vande Bharat sleeper train is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 180 kmph, it is expected to operate at speeds of up to 160 kmph. Railway officials have emphasised that scheduling the service without affecting suburban operations remains a priority.
“We have informed the Railway Board that the Vande Bharat sleeper train cannot be operated during peak hours, else it will severely affect the operation of local trains,” an official said.
Currently, the popular Udyan Express leaves CSMT at 7.55 am for Bengaluru. The new sleeper service is expected to provide a faster alternative for passengers travelling between the two major cities.
Designed by the Integral Coach Factory, the Vande Bharat sleeper is a semi-high-speed train intended for longer overnight journeys. Railway sources have also indicated that authorities are examining the possibility of introducing similar services on the Mumbai–Delhi and Ahmedabad–Delhi routes under Western Railway.
The launch is expected to strengthen intercity rail connectivity, offering passengers a quicker journey alongside improved onboard catering options.
Source: Hindustan Times
