Bengaluru: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday flagged off the inaugural run of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express connecting Bengaluru and Mumbai, marking a significant step in improving overnight rail connectivity between Karnataka and Maharashtra. The inaugural special train, consisting of a 16-coach sleeper rake, departed from Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT), Bengaluru, and is scheduled to arrive at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai, at 6:15 am on Monday. Several Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, and senior railway officials attended the launch ceremony, highlighting the importance of the new service.

According to South Western Railway, regular commercial operations will begin on November 2 from Mumbai to Bengaluru and November 3 from Bengaluru to Mumbai. Train No. 27652 will depart SMVT Bengaluru at 7:45 pm and reach CSMT Mumbai at 11:55 am the following day, operating six days a week except Mondays. In the return direction, Train No. 27651 will leave Mumbai at 8:10 pm and arrive in Bengaluru at 12:00 noon the next day, operating six days a week except Tuesdays. The regular service will halt at Anantapur, Guntakal, Raichur, Yadgir, Kalaburagi, Solapur, Pune, and Kalyan, while the inaugural special train also stopped at Hindupur, Dharmavaram, and Lonavala.

Railway officials said the new Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is designed to offer passengers a faster, safer, and more comfortable overnight travel experience between two of India’s busiest metropolitan cities. The 16-coach train includes eight motor coaches and four trailer coaches, featuring modern passenger amenities aimed at enhancing long-distance rail travel. With reduced travel time, improved onboard comfort, and better connectivity, the service is expected to benefit business travellers, tourists, and daily commuters while further strengthening the rail network between Bengaluru and Mumbai.