• Source:JND

The Indian Railways is set to expand its long-distance premium train network with the approval for a new sleeper train service between Bengaluru and Mumbai using sleeper variants of the existing Vande Bharat service. 

The revised service will operate as an overnight travel option from KSR Bengaluru to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. The new service is also expected to provide a more modern and comfortable overnight travel option than any other long-distance train in India. Ashwani Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways, has written to BJP Member of Parliament PC Mohan regarding the go-ahead for this project.

ALSO READ: 'No Money Currently Available': Trump's $17 Billion Gaza Plan Stalls As Peace Board Faces Funding Crunch

“Kindly refer to our discussion regarding the introduction of a new Vande Bharat Sleeper train between Bengaluru and Mumbai for public convenience," the minister stated in the letter addressed to the MP.

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

As part of the Government’s plan to introduce 12 new Vande Bharat sleeper services by December 2026 and improve connectivity to longer routes, this announcement meets the increasing demand for the types of services mentioned. 

ALSO READ: Why Haryana Farmers Are Protesting Against New Rabi Procurement Rules? Key Concerns Explained

Recently launched, the Kamakhya-to-Howrah Vande Bharat has validated the need for an overnight travel service due to this train's popularity, as seen by several high occupancy levels for those wanting to travel overnight.

As of 2019, the Vande Bharat trains have served over 9.1 crore passengers through one lakh trips. In FY25, approximately 3.98 crore passengers availed the service, reflecting a robust year-on-year growth of nearly 34 per cent from 2.97 crore passengers in FY 2024-25.


Also In News