The South Western Railway (SWR) has commissioned two Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets, marking a significant upgrade for overnight rail travel between Bengaluru and Mumbai. These advanced 16-coach rakes, manufactured by BEML in Bengaluru under the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) Chennai program, are designed to complete the journey in approximately 16 hours.
New Overnight Rail Link Set for Trial Runs
Railway officials confirmed that the newly commissioned trainsets will soon undergo trial runs on the approved route. These trials are crucial for assessing journey times and facilitating speed evaluations by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO). Ashutosh Kumar Singh, Divisional Railway Manager, Bengaluru, stated that preparations for the launch are underway, and the final timetable will be announced shortly.
Authorities are currently considering two potential starting points in Bengaluru: KSR Bengaluru and Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) Bengaluru. Primary rake maintenance will be carried out at whichever terminal is chosen.
Route Details and Fares
The Vande Bharat sleeper service is expected to operate overnight from both Bengaluru and Mumbai, offering a considerably faster alternative to existing dedicated services like the Udyan Express, which takes nearly 24 hours. The proposed route, spanning 1,137 km, will traverse the Kalyana Karnataka region, including stops at Raichur, Yadgir, and Kalaburagi. This route is fully electrified and doubled, with most sections capable of supporting speeds up to 130 km/h.
The train's configuration will include 11 3AC coaches, four 2AC coaches, and one 1AC coach. Fares for 3AC are anticipated to be around Rs 3,000, which will include onboard meals. Officials are confident the service will be popular, offering a more affordable option compared to air travel.
Why the Kalyana Karnataka Route Was Chosen
Earlier proposals to route the Vande Bharat sleeper via Hubballi were not adopted. The Hubballi route, at 1,216 km, is longer and includes sections with single tracks and speed restrictions. The selected Kalyana Karnataka route ensures a faster, more comfortable, and efficient connection, fulfilling a long-standing demand for improved rail connectivity in the region.