Indian Railways is preparing to add two premium overnight services to its Vande Bharat network, connecting Mumbai with Bengaluru and New Delhi with Varanasi. The new sleeper trains are designed to reduce journey times and improve comfort on long-distance routes.
Mumbai–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper
The Mumbai–Bengaluru service is scheduled to begin on November 1, 2026, coinciding with Karnataka Rajyotsava. It will cover approximately 1,118 kilometres in around 16 hours, potentially cutting travel time by nearly eight hours.
The train is expected to feature 16 fully air-conditioned coaches with 823 berths. Proposed stops include Anantapur, Guntakal, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Solapur and Kalyan. The final timetable and stoppages are subject to official confirmation.
Delhi–Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper
The second service is expected to connect New Delhi and Varanasi, with an estimated journey time of around 9.2 hours, compared with approximately 12 hours on the Rajdhani Express.
The proposed timetable includes overnight departures, allowing passengers to reach their destination the following morning. Prayagraj Junction and Kanpur Central are among the proposed stops. The service is expected to launch around the same period, but its final schedule remains subject to confirmation.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Fares
Vande Bharat Sleeper fares are calculated on a per-kilometre basis. The reported fare structure ranges from ₹2.40 to ₹3.80 per passenger per kilometre, depending on the travel class, with applicable taxes extra.
For example, the indicative base fare for a 1,000-kilometre journey in AC 3-tier works out to approximately ₹2,400 before taxes. The final ticket price will depend on the route, distance and class selected.
Unlike some conventional trains, Vande Bharat Sleeper services will not offer Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) tickets, according to reports.
What Passengers Should Know
The two services are expected to strengthen overnight connectivity between major cities and provide an alternative to existing long-distance trains. However, passengers should verify launch dates, operating days, departure and arrival times, stoppages and fares through official Indian Railways channels before making travel plans.
