Indian Railways inaugurated two new Vande Bharat Sleeper train services on October 26, 2026, boosting overnight connectivity on the Mumbai-Bengaluru and Delhi-Varanasi corridors. The Mumbai-Bengaluru route service started operations on October 31, followed by the Varanasi-New Delhi service on November 1.
Train Timings and Duration
The Mumbai-Bengaluru train departs Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) at 8:10 pm and reaches Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) Bengaluru at 11:55 am the next day. The return journey leaves Bengaluru at 7:50 pm, arriving in Mumbai at 11:55 am the following day, covering around 1,000 kilometers in 15 hours 45 minutes. This reduces travel time by over six
hours compared to the existing Udyan Express.
The Delhi-Varanasi sleeper train, numbered 27421, leaves Varanasi at 8:50 pm, stopping at Prayagraj Junction at 10:35 pm, Kanpur at 12:40 am, and arrives in New Delhi at 5:55 am. The return train 27422 departs Delhi at 9:40 pm, stops at Prayagraj at 4:45 am, and reaches Varanasi at 6:45 am.
Fare Structure and Reservations
Fares for the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains range from Rs 2.40 to Rs 3.80 per passenger per kilometer, excluding GST. The 3AC class fare is Rs 2.40 per kilometer, making a 1,000 km journey approximately Rs 2,400 without GST. These rates are
lower than comparable international services, which range between Rs 7 to Rs 20 per kilometer.
Online booking is available, but there is no provision for Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC); waiting-list confirmations occur only when confirmed passengers cancel. Lower berths are reserved for senior citizens, women aged 45 and above, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and their attendants. The quota per coach includes 6-7 lower berths in Sleeper class, 4-5 in 3AC, and 3-4 in 2AC. Persons with disabilities have dedicated berths: four in Sleeper (two lower, two middle), four in 3AC/3E, and four seats in 2S/Chair Car when more than
two coaches are present.
Routes and Operational Details
The Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper operates between CSMT and SMVT, passing through Kalyan, Pune, Solapur, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Guntakal, and Anantapur. Two trainsets have been assigned to this route. Trial runs demonstrated speeds up to 160 km/h. Services on both routes are expected to run six days a week, excluding Saturdays, with schedules subject to final confirmation.
The Delhi-Varanasi train connects eastern Uttar Pradesh with the national capital, stopping at major stations including Prayagraj and Kanpur, complementing existing services like Humsafar Express and Shiv Ganga Express.
Passenger Benefits and Impact
The new Vande Bharat Sleeper trains offer faster premium overnight travel
options for business travelers, students, pilgrims, and tourists. The Mumbai-Bengaluru route cuts journey time by over six hours compared to existing services, enabling early arrival in Bengaluru. The Delhi-Varanasi service provides early morning arrival in New Delhi, facilitating timely connections for passengers from eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Reservation quotas for vulnerable passengers enhance travel convenience. The Mumbai-Bengaluru train’s onboard menu is being finalized with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, promising regional cuisine options.
Network Expansion and Official Details
India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper was launched on January 17, 2026, connecting Howrah and Kamakhya with a journey time of approximately 14 hours. The recent launches
extend the Vande Bharat Sleeper network to strategic routes linking major economic centers in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and the national capital.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw provided fare and operational details in a Lok Sabha response, confirming that Indian Railways maintains affordable pricing compared to international standards while offering diverse service categories to accommodate all social segments.
