All-new service of Vande Bharat sleeper train between Bengaluru and Pune is now officially approved and will not only provide much-anticipated upgrades to India’s railway modernization effort but also represent a great step-change in terms of rail connectivity.
The Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw passed the pass on 5 April 2026 and said that it was set to be the second Vande Bharat sleeper service to take effect as India’s second Vande Bharat train. It could drastically shorten travel time between India’s two major cities. It's around 18 hours for instance, trains like the Udyan Express (which runs for around 18 hours) and 19 hours for the Coimbatore Express.
It would take about 13 hours for the Vande Bharat sleeper to reach the same place, which is one way we travel faster and more comfortably. It will begin from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai and will pass through junctions such as Pune, Solapur, Wadi and proceed to Bengaluru.
Prior infrastructure works were in the ground at strategically located areas such as Daund–Wadi and Wadi–Guntakal to enable trains to reach speed up to 130 km/h, expecting the service to run for the entirety by December 2026. It will operate six days a week and receive one day a week of maintenance.
At approximately 9 PM, the train shall take off from Bengaluru and Pune and passengers in need of relaxation in daytime may take it on a night basis. Vande Bharat sleeper train will have 16 coaches holding a maximum of 823 passengers. There are 11 AC 3-tier coaches as well as 4 AC 2-tier coaches and 1 First AC coach fulfilling the traveler need. Despite the onboard meal service coming in as well, ticketing is said to remain competitive.
Preliminary fares were pegged at ₹2,500 for AC 3-tier, ₹3,000 to ₹3,200 for AC 2-tier and ₹3,600 to ₹3,900 for First AC. Significantly, no RAC or waiting list is stipulated and only confirmed tickets are to be issued with respect to this train to ensure a hassle free journey.
The train will arrive packed with lots of contemporary comforts and safe facilities. The passengers will be provided with all the facilities like separate reading lights, mobile charging points, ergonomically designed orthopedic spaces to enhance your sleep experience. CCTV cameras will enhance security on board, while the indigenous ‘Kavach’ protection system will have an advanced collision system for superior collision protection.
This is another reminder of Indian Railways’ continued focus on delivering fast, safe, and user-friendly transport to its passengers. The Bengaluru-Pune Vande Bharat sleeper train will transform overnight rail riding in India by speeding up travel to and from your destination while providing enhanced comfort (in addition to saving you time on travel).
Forecast to provide benefit for business travelers, tourists and everyday commuters as anticipation flows into preview for the service to be rolled out linking two of the largest cities in the country.
