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A new Vande Bharat Sleeper train connecting Bengaluru and Mumbai is expected to begin operations on October 10 or 11, 2026, according to the report's headline. The proposed service aims to improve overnight rail connectivity between the two major cities and provide passengers with a more comfortable travel experience.
Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat to Begin Operations on 10 or 11 October
The train is proposed to operate between Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) in Bengaluru and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai. The exact launch date is yet to be formally confirmed by the Railway Board.
The 16-coach sleeper train has been manufactured by BEML in Bengaluru using technology developed by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai. Two trainsets have been associated with the proposed service, which is intended to provide an overnight travel option between Karnataka and Maharashtra.
The proposed route is expected to pass through Kalaburagi and Solapur, with the journey estimated to take around 15 to 16 hours, depending on the final route and timetable. The service is expected to improve connectivity for passengers travelling between Bengaluru, northern Karnataka, Maharashtra and Mumbai.
Unlike regular chair-car Vande Bharat trains, the sleeper version is designed for long-distance overnight journeys. It will offer sleeping berths to passengers, allowing them to rest during travel. The train is expected to provide an alternative to existing conventional express trains and other transport options on the Bengaluru-Mumbai corridor.
The introduction of the service has faced several delays despite earlier announcements and preparations. The trainsets have undergone testing and other operational procedures, but the final notification and schedule are still awaited. The proposed October 10 or 11 launch is therefore an expected timeline rather than a confirmed date.
Once introduced, the service will become South India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train and the country's second sleeper service of this kind, following the Howrah-Kamakhya route launched in January 2026.