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Union Minister for Railways Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw today flagged off the SMVT Bengaluru-Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Express in the presence of Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy, Minister of State for Railways Shri V. Somanna, Minister of State Sushri Shobha Karandlaje and other dignitaries. The flag-off ceremony marks an important step towards strengthening modern overnight rail connectivity between two of India's leading metropolitan and economic centres.

Hon’ble Minister of Railways Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw, along with other dignitaries, flagged off the Bengaluru–Mumbai #VandeBharat_Sleeper train. https://t.co/2Gro8cQO5B

— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) November 1, 2026

The introduction of this next-generation sleeper train will provide passengers with an additional modern, comfortable and efficient travel option between Bengaluru and Mumbai. The service is expected to benefit professionals, entrepreneurs, business travellers, students, traders and tourists while strengthening connectivity across important regional centres in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Following the introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper services on the Howrah-Guwahati corridor in January 2026, and the flagging off of the Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper train yesterday, the Bengaluru-Mumbai service further expands the network of modern overnight rail travel and reinforces Indian Railways' commitment to passenger-centric mobility.

Highlighting the introduction of the Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, Shri Vaishnaw said that the service would connect Bengaluru, the country's IT and startup capital, with Mumbai, its financial capital. The train will run via Anantapur and Guntakal in Andhra Pradesh; Raichur, Yadgir and Kalaburagi in Karnataka; and Solapur, Pune and Kalyan in Maharashtra, providing improved overnight connectivity to several parts of North Karnataka that previously lacked access to premium, world-class train services. He also announced that the next Vande Bharat Sleeper service for Karnataka would originate from Bengaluru, connect the northern parts of the state towards the Hubballi region and proceed towards Pune and Mumbai.

The Union Minister further announced that Vande Bharat services between Bengaluru and Mangaluru are expected to commence within the next few weeks, following the completion of electrification and successful testing on the route. The service will strengthen connectivity between Bengaluru and coastal Karnataka. He emphasised that the new service would provide faster, more comfortable and world-class rail connectivity to the region. He also highlighted the importance of modern railway infrastructure, technology-driven improvements and the expansion of high-speed services in strengthening passenger connectivity and supporting the economic development of Karnataka.

The Union Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the expansion of high-speed rail connectivity in Karnataka and the development of new railway corridors to strengthen regional connectivity and promote economic integration. Highlighting the expected reduction in travel time, he stated that the Bengaluru-Chennai journey would take just 73 minutes, while Bengaluru-Hyderabad connectivity would be covered in approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Railways in strengthening railway connectivity across Karnataka, particularly in North Karnataka. He highlighted the increased allocation of funds for railway infrastructure development and appreciated the significant progress made in railway development works in Karnataka. Shri Joshi emphasized that this robust investment has driven both infrastructure expansion and safety enhancements, pointing out that accident rates have plummeted from 135 to 16 following the rollout of the Kavach protection system, with a clear institutional target of achieving zero accidents. He also welcomed the introduction of new Vande Bharat services and the announcement of additional high-speed rail corridors, stating that these initiatives would improve passenger connectivity, enhance regional development and provide better access to modern rail services across Karnataka.

Union Minister Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy welcomed the introduction of the Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper service, the proposed Vande Bharat connectivity between Bengaluru and Mangaluru, and the planned rail connectivity linking Bengaluru with Pune. He noted that these initiatives would benefit not only the people of Karnataka but also the large number of migrant workers and families from states such as West Bengal, Assam and Bihar residing in Bengaluru, while improving passenger convenience and regional connectivity.

Union Minister of State for Railways Shri V. Somanna mentioned the significant transformation of railway infrastructure in Karnataka, with emphasis on expediting long-pending projects, strengthening rail connectivity and improving passenger amenities across the state. He highlighted that railway infrastructure development works worth approximately ₹52,000 crore are underway in the State. He appreciated the efforts of the Railway Minister in restoring train services, accelerating the construction of railway overbridges and underbridges, and modernising railway stations across Bengaluru, district headquarters and other important centres.

Connecting Two Major Economic and Commercial Centres

The new Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will establish an important overnight rail link between Bengaluru, a leading hub for information technology, innovation, education and entrepreneurship, and Mumbai, the country's financial and commercial capital.

Both metropolitan centres witness substantial movement of professionals, entrepreneurs, students, business travellers and families. The new service will offer passengers an additional convenient travel option, enabling them to undertake long-distance journeys overnight and reach their destination the following day.

The train will connect important stations along its route, including Anantapur, Guntakal, Raichur, Yadgir, Wadi, Kalaburagi, Solapur, Pune and Kalyan. This will strengthen connectivity across parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, providing improved access to important commercial, educational and regional centres.

The train will depart SMVT Bengaluru at 19:45 hours and arrive at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai, at 11:55 hours the following day. In the return direction, it will depart CSMT at 20:10 hours and reach SMVT Bengaluru at 12:00 hours the next day. The service will operate six days a week, except Monday in the Bengaluru-originating direction and Tuesday in the Mumbai-originating direction.

The overnight schedule will allow passengers to make more effective use of their daytime while travelling comfortably between the two metropolitan centres. Passengers from cities and towns along the route will also benefit from an additional modern rail travel option.

The flag-off of the Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Express marks another important milestone in Indian Railways' ongoing efforts to transform passenger transportation through modern infrastructure, advanced technology and improved connectivity. Indian Railways remains committed to developing a modern, efficient, safe and passenger-centric transportation network that supports India's economic growth and connects metropolitan centres with emerging regional hubs.

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Dharmendra Tewari/ Dr. Nayan Solanki/ Ritu Raj

Official source

[Read the original PIB release](https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2331297)

Source attribution: Press Information Bureau, Government of India.