BENGALURU/ MUMBAI — The Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Express began commercial operations on November 2, offering passengers the fastest rail link between Karnataka’s capital and Maharashtra’s financial hub, but at a significantly higher fare than existing train services.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the train on November 1. Commercial services commenced from Mumbai the following day, with the train departing SMVT Bengaluru at 7:45 pm and arriving at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai at 11:55 am the next day. The return journey departs Mumbai at 8:10 pm and reaches SMVT Bengaluru at noon the following day.
The service will run six days a week, excluding Mondays from Bengaluru and Tuesdays from Mumbai. The train covers the distance of over 1,100 km in 16 hours 10 minutes, reducing travel time by nearly six hours compared to other trains on the route that take nearly 22 hours or more.
However, the speed comes at a premium. Fares range from Rs 2,810 for AC 3 Tier to Rs 4,450 for AC 1 Tier. The AC 3 Tier fare is 60 to 96 percent higher than on other trains operating the route; AC 2 Tier fares are 65 to 78 percent higher, and AC 1 Tier fares are 20 to 30 percent higher. The AC 3 Tier fare of Rs 2,810 is nearly 63 percent higher than the Humsafar Express’s Rs 1,725.
All classes are fully booked, with passengers placed on waiting lists for the next couple of weeks. The train makes scheduled halts at Anantapur, Guntakal, Raichur, Yadgir, Kalaburagi, Solapur, Pune and Kalyan.
The introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is expected to enhance inter-State rail connectivity between Karnataka and Maharashtra, offering passengers a comfortable and convenient overnight travel option. Railway Minister Vaishnaw has previously justified higher fares in Parliament, stating they are based on the facilities provided and that different services cater to different passenger segments.
The service comprises a 16-coach rake including Motor Car Coaches, Trailer Car Coaches, Non-Driving Trailer Car Coaches and Driving Trailer Car Coaches. A scheduled commercial stoppage was secured at Yadgir Railway Station, where the inaugural service received a grand reception from locals and public representatives.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express represents a significant development in overnight rail connectivity between two major metropolitan centers, providing the fastest journey option on the route at a substantial fare premium.
