Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw approves Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper train service

The Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper train is likely to be operated and maintained by South Western Railway (SWR) zone. (Image: Ministry of Railways)

2 min readApr 11, 2026 11:21 AM IST

Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper train: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has approved the introduction of a new Vande Bharat Sleeper train service between Bengaluru and Mumbai. The semi-high-speed train is expected to further improve long-distance overnight travel on the route while enhancing passenger comfort and overall journey experience. This new train is likely to be operated and maintained by South Western Railway (SWR) zone.

Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper train: Route

Developed by BEML using Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF) technology, the new orange and grey coloured train will run between KSR Bengaluru and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai. This will be the second such train in the country. The first Vande Bharat Sleeper, launched in January 2026, operates between Howrah and Kamakhya. It has reduced travel time between the two cities by up to six hours.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Express on Bengaluru-Mumbai route approved

In a letter dated April 5, 2026, to PC Mohan, MP from Bangalore Central, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the approval of a new Vande Bharat Sleeper service between KSR Bengaluru railway station and CSMT.

“Kindly refer to our discussion regarding introduction of new Vande Bharat Sleeper train between Bengaluru and Mumbai for public convenience.

You would be pleased to know that the introduction of new Vande Bharat Sleeper train between KSR Bengaluru and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (T) has been approved,” the minister said.

Earlier this year, Vaishnaw said that the production of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains has been ramped up, adding that 12 such trains are expected to be introduced by December 2026. “12 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains – comprising six rakes on each side – will be rolled out by the end of 2026,” he said.

Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors.

Professional Journey
Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com.

Education & Expertise
Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities:

Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University
Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication
Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta

Areas of Coverage
Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. … Read More

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