Bengaluru-Mumbai in 18 Hours! Vande Bharat Sleeper train via Kalaburagi Route Shorter, Hubballi Gets Support

Bengaluru

-Madhuri Adnal

Updated: Sunday, April 12, 2026, 6:25 [IST]

Bengaluru to Mumbai in 17 to 18 hours with a Vande Bharat Sleeper train via the Kalaburagi route is now part of the plan being worked out by Indian Railways. The proposed service is expected to include major station stops along the corridor, aiming to balance speed with regional connectivity on one of the country’s busiest inter-city routes.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has approved the introduction of the Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper, which is designed to offer faster overnight travel and improved comfort. Officials say the train will run between KSR Bengaluru and Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus once operational details are finalised.

According to Ashutosh Kumar Singh, early plans indicate a travel time of around 17 to 18 hours. While this is still subject to operational adjustments, it marks a significant attempt to streamline long-distance overnight travel between Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Train

The Kalaburagi route has emerged as a strong contender for the service. Spanning around 1,136 km, it is shorter and already used by existing trains like the Udyan Express. The route is fully electrified, which supports faster movement, though double tracking is not available across the entire stretch. It connects fewer districts but offers a more direct alignment.

The alternative Hubballi route, at about 1,215 km, is longer but passes through more districts in Karnataka. Public representatives and railway enthusiasts have backed this option for its wider reach. However, the final decision on the route and station stops is still being fine-tuned.

From Duronto Plan To Vande Bharat Sleeper

Railways had initially considered introducing a premium Duronto Express on this route. Over time, discussions shifted towards deploying a Vande Bharat Sleeper instead, aligning with the focus on modern and faster trains.

The sleeper version of Vande Bharat is designed specifically for overnight journeys, offering upgraded interiors, better comfort and improved travel experience compared to conventional trains.

Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Rollout Timeline

The train is being developed by BEML using technology from the Integral Coach Factory. It features a distinct orange and grey design and is part of a larger rollout plan.

Railway authorities have indicated that around 12 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are expected to be introduced across routes by the end of 2026, depending on readiness and operational planning.

Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Fare Concerns Surface

Despite the promise of faster travel, concerns have been raised over ticket pricing. TP Lokesh noted that fares for a 3AC berth could be around ₹3,000, which may be comparable to air travel on the same route.

This has led to debate over affordability, with some voices calling for superfast trains with standard fares to serve a broader section of passengers.

The Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper train marks a significant step towards improving long-distance rail travel. However, key factors such as route selection, station stops, pricing and final timelines are still under discussion.