The much-awaited Vande Bharat Sleeper service between Bengaluru and Mumbai has moved a step closer to becoming a reality, with the South Western Railway (SWR) commissioning two 16-coach sleeper trainsets. The new trains are expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two metro cities while offering passengers a faster and more comfortable overnight journey.
Manufactured by BEML in Bengaluru under a programme led by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, the two sleeper trainsets have now been handed over to SWR. Railway officials are expected to conduct trial runs before announcing the official launch date and operational schedule for the service.
The proposed Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to complete the Bengaluru-Mumbai journey in around 16 hours, a major improvement over existing trains on the route that take nearly 24 hours. The overnight service is expected to become a preferred choice for business travellers, professionals and families looking for a quicker and more convenient rail journey between Karnataka and Maharashtra.
The trains feature a 16-coach configuration comprising 11 AC 3-tier coaches, four AC 2-tier coaches and one First AC coach, allowing passengers to choose from multiple travel classes while enjoying modern amenities. The sleeper version has been specially designed to provide greater comfort on long-distance journeys and is part of Indian Railways’ efforts to modernise overnight travel.
Unlike the chair car versions of the Vande Bharat Express currently operating across several routes, the sleeper variant has been developed for longer intercity travel. The trains are equipped with improved interiors, enhanced passenger comfort features and advanced safety systems, offering an experience comparable to premium long-distance trains while significantly reducing travel time.
The Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper has generated considerable excitement among railway passengers ever since it was announced. The route connects two of India’s most important economic hubs, with thousands of passengers travelling daily for work, education and business. The new service is expected to strengthen connectivity while providing a modern alternative to existing overnight trains.
The commissioning of the trainsets also highlights Bengaluru’s growing role in India’s railway manufacturing sector. BEML, headquartered in the city, has played a key role in producing the sleeper trainsets, showcasing India’s expanding capabilities in indigenous rail technology under the government’s modernisation initiatives.
While the trains have now been commissioned, passengers will have to wait a little longer before boarding them. Railway authorities are expected to complete the mandatory trials and safety clearances before announcing the commercial launch. Once operational, the Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to become one of the country’s most sought-after overnight train services, combining speed, comfort and premium travel in a single journey.
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