Indian Railways To Launch Lucknow - Mumbai Sleeper Vande Bharat: 12-Hour Journey To Replace 22-Hour Route

Indian Railways is clearly on a mission to enhance the travel experience for all its passengers, and the upcoming launch is surely a testament to this commitment. The Indian Railways is all set to launch the new Lucknow-Mumbai Sleeper Vande Bharat Express. The new train is designed to provide the ultimate comfort and convenience to all the passengers, along with modern amenities. This express claims to cut down a 12-hour journey by 10 hours! Surprising, right? Here’s everything you must know about the upcoming Lucknow Mumbai Sleeper Vande Bharat. 

Lucknow-Mumbai Sleeper Vande Bharat

Indian Railways is preparing to launch the new Lucknow-Mumbai Sleeper Vande Bharat Express. This train is expected to revolutionize long-distance travel between Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, offering unmatched speed and comfort. As of October 7, 2025, preparations and testing are underway, with strong indications that the express service will be launched in the coming months. The launch is anticipated to occur after receiving formal approval from the Railway Board and a ceremonial flag-off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Lucknow Mumbai Sleeper Vande Bharat: Frequency And Route

This express will be India's first air-conditioned sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat Express. The train will have 20 coaches, comprising a combination of AC First Class, AC 2-Tier, AC 3-Tier, and two SLR (Sleeper) coaches. It will accommodate up to around 1,200 passengers per journey. Vande Bharat Sleeper Lucknow to Mumbai is planned to operate four days a week. 

Tentative Route: 

• Lucknow
• Hardoi
• Shahjahanpur
• Bareilly Junction
• Rampur
• Moradabad
• Ghaziabad
• Hazrat Nizamuddin
• Agra
• Mumbai (final station yet to be confirmed)

Features and Amenities

The Lucknow Mumbai Vande Bharat will be seen as a new benchmark in Indian rail travel for its amenities and comfort. Check out some of its key features: 

• Fully air-conditioned coaches with CCTV surveillance.
• Modern bio-vacuum touch-free toilets and modular pantries 
• Individual reading lights with USB charging ports
•  Integrated personal entertainment systems
• Announcement and visual information displays for better travel updates.
• First AC carriages will even feature onboard showers with hot water
• Special berths and toilets to cater to Persons with Disability
• Enhanced safety features, such as advanced anti-collision technology and upgraded braking systems.

Lucknow Mumbai Sleeper Vande Bharat: Fare and Current Status

The official ticket prices have not been released yet. According to some insider reports, the fares for this Vande Bharat Sleeper service may be 10–11% higher than the fare of the Rajdhani Express. This is because of the premium amenities and speed advantage that this train will be offering. Booking for the sleeper service will be available online soon. 

While the Lucknow–Mumbai route was originally slated to launch in July 2025, the launch is now expected soon in the upcoming months. The manufacturing and delivery of a second train set is currently in process, ensuring operational stability and continuity. The finalized rake has already completed required trials, and it is currently resting at Delhi’s Shakur Basti depot as it awaits green light for regular service. 

Summing Up

As Indian Railways continues to upgrade its fleet with new and better introductions, the launch of the Lucknow-Mumbai Vande Bharat will surely be a game-changer for travelers between these two cities. With its advanced features, this train is all set to become a favorite among passengers. The launch is eagerly awaited by many.