Indian Railways has approved a Vande Bharat Sleeper Express connecting Bengaluru and Mumbai, paving the way for faster overnight travel between the two major cities. The Railway Board approved the service on October 29, 2026. According to The Indian Express, the train is expected to cover the journey in approximately 16 hours, compared with around 22 to 24 hours on existing services.
The train will operate between Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) in Bengaluru and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai. South Western Railway will maintain and operate the service, with two trainsets allocated to the route.
Bengaluru–Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper: Timings
According to the approved schedule reported by The Indian Express, the Bengaluru–Mumbai service will operate as train number 27652. It will depart from SMVT Bengaluru at 7:45 PM and arrive at Mumbai CSMT at 11:55 AM the following day. The journey will take approximately 16 hours and 10 minutes.
The return service, train number 27651, will leave Mumbai CSMT at 8:10 PM and reach Bengaluru at noon the next day, completing the journey in around 15 hours and 50 minutes.
The service is scheduled to run six days a week in each direction. There will be no departure from Bengaluru on Mondays and no departure from Mumbai on Tuesdays.
Eight Stops Along the Route
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will travel via Kalaburagi, connecting stations across Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra.
The eight intermediate stops are:
- Anantapur
- Guntakal
- Raichur
- Yadgir
- Kalaburagi
- Solapur
- Pune
- Kalyan
The route is expected to improve overnight rail connectivity for passengers travelling between the three states and Maharashtra’s commercial capital.
16 Coaches and 823 Berths
The train will have 16 air-conditioned coaches with a total capacity of 823 berths. The configuration includes 11 AC three-tier coaches, four AC two-tier coaches and one AC first-class coach.
The trainsets have been developed by BEML using technology from the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai. Features include improved berth cushioning, automatic doors, enhanced suspension, noise reduction and the Kavach train protection system.
Launch Date and Booking Details
The Railway Board’s approval marks a key step towards introducing the service. However, the final passenger-service commencement date, fares and booking-opening details are yet to be officially notified.
Reports have indicated a possible launch on November 1, 2026, but passengers should check official Indian Railways and IRCTC announcements for confirmed dates, fares and ticket availability.
