Bengaluru–Mumbai Vande Bharat sleeper service coming soon; what we know

Indian Railways has approved a Vande Bharat sleeper service between Bengaluru and Mumbai, aiming to provide a faster and more comfortable travel option for passengers on this busy intercity corridor. (FILE PHOTO/TNN)

Officials have said that the exact route, stoppages and operational details of the new train will be declared later. Planning is underway to finalise the service structure. (FILE PHOTO/TNN)

The upcoming service is expected to cut travel time compared to existing trains, offering a quicker alternative for passengers commuting between the two major cities. (FILE PHOTO/TNN)

The Udyan Express, which has been running since 1983, will continue to operate even after the introduction of the new Vande Bharat sleeper service. (FILE PHOTO/TNN)

At present, the Bengaluru–Mumbai rail journey takes more than 22 hours to cover around 1,139 km, making it one of the longer intercity routes. (FILE PHOTO/TNN)

Bus travel between Bengaluru and Mumbai takes around 14–16 hours, making it faster than trains but often less comfortable for long-distance passengers. (FILE PHOTO/TNN)

The planned train is expected to run via Pune, Solapur, Kalaburagi, Raichur and Guntakal, following the established corridor used by existing long-distance services. (FILE PHOTO/TNN)

A Vande Bharat service is already operational between Mumbai and Solapur, indicating feasibility and network readiness for expansion towards Bengaluru. (FILE PHOTO/TNN)

Railway sources have indicated that there are no major technical hurdles in operating a Vande Bharat sleeper train on this route, making implementation smoother. (FILE PHOTO/TNN)

Commuters and trade representatives have long demanded a faster rail service, suggesting that the new train should aim to complete the journey in around 16 to 17 hours for efficiency. (FILE PHOTO/TNN)