India’s premium rail network is set for another major upgrade, with the Centre approving a new Vande Bharat sleeper train between Bengaluru and Mumbai. The move comes just months after the successful rollout of the country’s first Vande Bharat sleeper service on the Kamakhya–Howrah route, and signals a clear push towards expanding high-speed, long-distance connectivity.
Bengaluru- Mumbai Vande Bharat Approved
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the development in a letter dated April 5, 2026, addressed to Bengaluru Central MP PC Mohan. The upcoming service will operate between KSR Bengaluru railway station and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai, two of India’s busiest urban hubs.
New Vande Bharat Sleeper train between Bengaluru and Mumbai approved. pic.twitter.com/dB1NIcndYF
— P C Mohan (@PCMohanMP) April 11, 2026
The introduction of the sleeper variant is expected to significantly improve overnight travel between the cities, offering a faster, more comfortable alternative to existing trains. While conventional services on this route often take upwards of 20 hours depending on halts and congestion, the Vande Bharat sleeper is designed to cut travel time while delivering a modern, aircraft-like onboard experience.
Also Read: Vande Bharat Train Timings To For These 4 Routes From March 15: Check Full List
This development is part of Indian Railways’ broader plan to manufacture and deploy 12 Vande Bharat sleeper train sets by December 2026. The focus is on strengthening long-distance routes where demand for efficient overnight travel continues to rise. Officials believe routes connecting major economic centres like Mumbai and Bengaluru are ideal candidates for such upgrades.
The decision also builds on the strong performance of the Kamakhya–Howrah Vande Bharat sleeper, which has reported exceptional demand since its launch. In just over three months of operations, the train recorded occupancy levels exceeding 100 percent across 119 trips, carrying more than 1.21 lakh passengers. The numbers point to a clear appetite for premium sleeper services that combine speed with comfort.
More About Vande Bharat
Vande Bharat trains, first introduced in 2019 on the New Delhi–Varanasi route, have steadily expanded across the country. At present, over 50 Vande Bharat train services are operational, covering a wide network of intercity routes. Collectively, they have carried more than 9 crore passengers across one lakh trips, with usage seeing consistent year-on-year growth.
Railway officials say the Bengaluru–Mumbai sleeper service will feature upgraded berths, enhanced safety systems and improved ride quality, aligning with global standards for overnight rail travel. While the exact launch date and schedule are yet to be announced, the approval marks a significant step towards redefining long-distance train journeys in India.
Also Read: Ahmedabad–Udaipur Vande Bharat Express: Route, Timetable, Speed & All You Need To Know
Summing Up
With demand for faster and more reliable travel options rising, the expansion of the Vande Bharat sleeper network could reshape how Indians move between major cities, making overnight rail not just practical, but preferable.
