Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Nears Launch From Majestic or Baiyappanahalli

The long-awaited Bengaluru to Mumbai Vande Bharat sleeper train service is preparing for launch following the receipt and commissioning of its first two train sets. Built by BEML under Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory, the two 16-coach sets were commissioned after undergoing preliminary inspections and trials. Railway officials are evaluating origin points in the city, with KSR Bengaluru at Majestic identified as the preferred departure terminal, while Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal at Baiyappanahalli is also being actively considered as an alternative starting location and maintenance facility.

An upcoming trial run along the approved route will assess overall travel duration and support official speed trials to be conducted by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation. While the preferred journey runs from Majestic to Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), the exact track alignment between the two cities remains under final discussion by railway planners.

Two main route alternatives are currently under review. Demand exists for a line passing through Hubballi; however, that alignment covers a distance of 1,216 km, consists mostly of single-line tracks, and suffers from multiple speed restrictions. Conversely, an alternative proposal running via Raichur, Yadgir, and Kalaburagi spans a shorter distance of 1,137 km. This line is already fully electrified and double-lined, with several stretches capable of accommodating operating speeds up to 130 kmph.

The upcoming sleeper train service is expected to run on an overnight schedule, offering passenger fares that are significantly lower than standard airfares on the Bengaluru-Mumbai corridor. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw previously announced the introduction of the Vande Bharat sleeper service to improve connectivity between the two major metropolitan hubs.

Presently, direct rail transit between Bengaluru and Mumbai relies on older services that take nearly 24 hours to complete the journey. The Udyan Express was historically the sole direct connection on the route, until the KSR Bengaluru–LTT Mumbai Express commenced its services earlier this year in May. The introduction of the high-speed Vande Bharat sleeper is set to modernize this long-distance rail link once trials by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation conclude and terminal maintenance arrangements are finalized.