Pune–Bengaluru in 14 Hours: Vande Bharat Sleeper Approved, Fare from Rs 2500
Pune/Bangalore, 12th April 2026: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has informed Bengaluru Central MP P. C. Mohan about the approval of a new Vande Bharat Sleeper train service between Bengaluru and Mumbai, according to an official communication dated April 5, 2026.
The proposed service will run between KSR Bengaluru and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, with Pune expected to be a key en route halt. The train forms part of a broader plan to introduce Vande Bharat Sleeper services across India.
Railway officials indicated that the travel time between Pune and Bengaluru is expected to be around 14 hours under the new service, significantly reducing journey duration on the corridor. The rail distance between the two cities ranges from approximately 938 km to 1,025 km, depending on the route and halts.
Fare estimates, based on currently operational Vande Bharat Sleeper services, suggest base pricing could start at around ₹2,500 for AC 3-tier and ₹3,900 for AC First Class. Final fares are yet to be officially announced.
At present, Pune–Bengaluru connectivity is served by around 21 train services, including two daily options. Travel times vary from approximately 14 hours 59 minutes to over 24 hours, depending on the route and number of stops.
Among the regular services, the Udyan Express remains one of the most widely used trains on this route, offering an overnight journey between the two cities. The LTT–Coimbatore Express also operates along parts of this corridor.
For faster travel, the Trivandrum Express currently records the shortest journey time of about 14 hours 59 minutes, though it runs on limited days.
Bengaluru is served by multiple railway terminals, including KSR Bengaluru City, Yesvantpur, and Krishnarajapuram, catering to different parts of the city, including major technology hubs.
Officials from the Pune Division said they have not yet received formal communication from the Railway Board or headquarters regarding the new service. They added that schedules, stoppages and operational details will be shared once official directives are issued.
No launch timeline has been announced so far for the Bengaluru–Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper service.
