Pune–Bengaluru in 13 Hours: Vande Bharat Sleeper Train’s Inaugural Run Planned for November 1

Reported by Amit Singh
Pune, 27th October 2026: The proposed Mumbai–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper train is scheduled for its inaugural run on November 1, 2026, coinciding with Karnataka Rajyotsava. The overnight service is expected to improve rail connectivity between Bengaluru, Pune and Mumbai, with the Pune–Bengaluru journey reported to take around 13 hours.

The proposed train will connect Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVB) in Bengaluru with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai, covering approximately 1,118 km in around 16 hours. The inaugural run is planned for Sunday, November 1, although Indian Railways is yet to officially confirm the regular service schedule, stoppages, fares and booking details.

Pune Among the Proposed Stoppages

The train is expected to pass through Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. The reported intermediate stoppages include Anantapur, Guntakal, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Solapur, Pune and Kalyan.

Pune is expected to be an important halt on the route, providing passengers with an overnight rail connection towards Bengaluru. The reported journey time between Pune and Bengaluru is around 13 hours, subject to the final timetable and operational arrangements.

The final list of stoppages and the timings at each station are yet to be confirmed by Indian Railways.

Proposed Timings and Frequency

According to reports, the sleeper train is expected to operate six days a week, with overnight departures in both directions.

The tentative schedule indicates that the Bengaluru–Mumbai service may depart from SMVB at 10 pm and reach CSMT at 1.50 pm the following day. In the reverse direction, the Mumbai–Bengaluru service may leave CSMT at 10.30 pm and arrive at Bengaluru at 2.50 pm the next day.

The proposed end-to-end journey duration is around 16 hours. These timings remain tentative and may change before regular commercial services begin.

16 Coaches, 823 Berths

The proposed Vande Bharat Sleeper train is expected to have 16 coaches with a total capacity of 823 berths. The reported configuration comprises 11 AC three-tier coaches with 611 berths, four AC two-tier coaches with 188 berths, and one AC First Class coach with 24 berths.

The sleeper configuration is designed for overnight travel on long-distance routes.

Expected Ticket Fares

The indicative fares reported for the service are ₹2,684 for AC three-tier, ₹3,466 for AC two-tier and ₹4,250 for AC First Class.