Since their inception, it seems that the Vande Bharat trains have revolutionized train travel in India. Recently, a new Vande Bharat route was launched on the Howrah-Kamakhya route. This was launched in January 2026. The launch was a huge success. Now, after the successful launch of this route, the South Western Railway (SWR) is vying for a Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper Train route. If launched, this route will make traveling between the two cities cheaper and faster, as per the SWR.
Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
In a recent meeting with the Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the MP of Belagavi, Jagadish Shettar, highlighted the need for this route. Vaishnaw gave him a positive response and assured him that the need would be considered a priority. The Indian Railways, earlier, had announced their larger goal of starting around 10 to 12 new Vande Bharat trains by March, 2027.
Also Read: Indian Railways To Launch Mangaluru-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Train In June
As of now, people who want to travel between the two cities have to either rely on flights, which can be very expensive, or on premium inter-city buses. The Bengaluru-Hubbali and Pune-Mumbai routes already bear a lot of the weight of the passenger traffic.
Proposed Route And Impact
Shettar proposed connecting regions like North Karnataka, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. On the Karnataka side, the proposed route will connect Bengaluru, Tumakuru, Davanagere, Haveri, Dharwad, and Belagavi. On the Maharashtra side, the route will link Sangli, Satara, Pune, Thane, and Mumbai.
Also Read: Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express To Launch On April 30: Route, Speed, Ticket Details
The SWR Passengers Committee also pointed out that this would be a massive GST-contributing commercial corridor if launched. Running a Vande Bharat train on this stretch would be highly economically viable. Officials have also pointed out that a Vande Bharat on this route will also catalyze regional economies, trade, and corporate travel across the six key regions that the route will link.
Also Read: Bengaluru–Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Approved: Faster Overnight Travel Soon
Summing Up
Now that the need for a Vande Bharat Train on this route has been highlighted, the SWR will prepare a feasibility report for it. The process will take off from there after the route is formalized. Once launched, this Vande Bharat will be greatly beneficial for travelers.
