Indian Railways is preparing to expand its premium overnight travel network with two new Vande Bharat Sleeper train services connecting Mumbai with Bengaluru and New Delhi with Varanasi. These routes are expected to offer passengers a modern overnight travel option with air-conditioned sleeper berths, improved comfort and convenient arrival times.
According to reports published on October 26, 2026, the Mumbai-Bengaluru service is scheduled for inauguration on October 31, followed by the Delhi-Varanasi service around November 1. However, passengers should check the latest official railway announcements before booking, as the reported schedules and launch details may change.
The new trains could benefit working professionals, students, families, business travellers and pilgrims looking for a more comfortable way to travel long distances by rail.
Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: Route and Timings
The proposed Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper will connect Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai with Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) in Bengaluru.
The journey is expected to take approximately 15 hours and 45 minutes, offering a potentially faster alternative to existing conventional overnight trains.
Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper route
The proposed route includes the following stations:
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai
- Kalyan
- Pune
- Solapur
- Kalaburagi
- Raichur
- Guntakal
- Anantapur
- Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT), Bengaluru
These proposed stops would provide connections for passengers travelling from Maharashtra through Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Expected Mumbai-Bengaluru train timings
According to recent media reports, the proposed schedule is as follows:
| Journey | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai to Bengaluru | 8:10 PM | 11:55 AM next day |
| Bengaluru to Mumbai | 7:50 PM | 11:55 AM next day |
The timings above are reported schedules and should be verified before travel. Some published reports have carried different timings, so passengers should rely on the final timetable released by Indian Railways.
How long will the Mumbai-Bengaluru journey take?
The proposed service is expected to cover the journey in approximately 15 hours and 45 minutes. This could reduce travel time compared with some existing trains on the corridor.
The actual time saved will depend on the final timetable and the service used for comparison.
Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: Route and Timings
The second proposed service will connect New Delhi with Varanasi, one of India’s most important religious and cultural destinations.
Unlike the existing daytime Vande Bharat chair-car services, the sleeper train is designed for overnight journeys. Passengers would be able to board in the evening and reach their destination the following morning.
Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper route
The reported route includes three main stations:
- New Delhi
- Kanpur Central
- Prayagraj Junction
- Varanasi
This connection could be especially useful for pilgrims visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple, tourists exploring Varanasi and passengers travelling between Prayagraj and the national capital.
Expected Delhi-Varanasi train timings
The reported timetable is as follows:
| Journey | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| New Delhi to Varanasi | 9:40 PM | 6:45 AM next day |
| Varanasi to New Delhi | 8:50 PM | 5:55 AM next day |
The Varanasi-to-Delhi service is expected to stop at Prayagraj Junction at approximately 10:35 PM and Kanpur Central around 12:40 AM.
In the opposite direction, the proposed train is expected to reach Prayagraj at approximately 4:45 AM before continuing towards Varanasi.
These timings and stoppages remain subject to official confirmation. Check the final timetable before making travel plans.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Ticket Prices and Fares
Ticket prices are one of the biggest questions for passengers considering the new trains.
Recent reports describe a fare structure based on the distance travelled and the class selected. Reported indicative rates for Vande Bharat Sleeper include:
| Travel class | Reported rate per passenger-km |
|---|---|
| AC 3-tier | ₹2.40 |
| AC 2-tier | Rate to be confirmed |
| AC First Class | Up to ₹3.80 across the reported fare range |
The reported rates are before applicable GST and other booking charges, where applicable. They should not be treated as the final fare for either new route.
For example, a journey of 1,000 kilometres at ₹2.40 per kilometre would have a basic fare of approximately ₹2,400 before GST and any applicable charges.
What will the Mumbai-Bengaluru ticket cost?
The final route-specific fare should be checked through the official reservation system once bookings and fare details are available. Published estimates may differ from the actual fare.
What will the Delhi-Varanasi ticket cost?
The final price will depend on the applicable fare calculation, travel class, journey distance and other charges. Passengers should verify the actual amount before confirming a ticket.
Important: Do not rely on unofficial fare estimates when budgeting for a trip. Check the current fare shown for your exact journey and class.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Coaches and Facilities
Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are designed for long-distance overnight travel, with air-conditioned sleeping accommodation rather than the chair-car arrangement used by daytime Vande Bharat services.
The proposed Mumbai-Bengaluru train is reported to have a 16-coach configuration with approximately 823 berths.
The reported configuration includes:
- 11 AC 3-tier coaches
- Four AC 2-tier coaches
- One AC First Class coach
Passengers can expect a modern train environment designed around overnight comfort. The final facilities and coach configuration should be confirmed through official railway information for the particular service.
When Will the New Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains Start?
Reports dated October 26, 2026, indicate the following expected inauguration schedule:
- Mumbai-Bengaluru: October 31, 2026
- Delhi-Varanasi: Around November 1, 2026
An inauguration date does not necessarily mean that regular commercial bookings are already open. The regular operating schedule, train numbers, fares and booking availability should be verified separately.
Passengers can check the official IRCTC website for ticket availability and the Indian Railways enquiry service for current train information.
Who Will Benefit from These New Trains?
Business travellers
The Mumbai-Bengaluru connection could offer professionals a way to travel overnight between two major business centres without spending much of the following day travelling.
Students and working professionals
The overnight schedule could make travel more convenient for people visiting family, attending examinations, joining work or travelling for interviews.
Pilgrims and tourists
The Delhi-Varanasi route could help passengers reach Varanasi in the morning, making it easier to plan religious visits and sightseeing.
Families travelling long distances
Air-conditioned sleeper accommodation provides an additional option for families who prefer overnight rail travel over daytime journeys.
Vande Bharat Sleeper vs Existing Trains
The new sleeper services are intended to offer another premium option for long-distance passengers.
| Feature | Vande Bharat Sleeper | Conventional overnight train |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Air-conditioned sleeper classes, subject to configuration | Depends on the train |
| Journey timing | Designed for overnight travel | Varies by service |
| Fare | Premium fare structure | Varies by class and train |
| Availability | Depends on the notified schedule | Depends on the existing timetable |
| Best suited for | Passengers prioritising overnight comfort | Passengers comparing fares, timings and availability |
Passengers should compare the final journey duration, ticket price, station location and availability before choosing a train.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Mumbai-Bengaluru and Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper trains launching in 2026?
Recent reports indicate expected inaugurations around October 31 and November 1, 2026, respectively. Confirm the latest official announcement before travelling.
2. What is the expected journey time for Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper?
The journey is expected to take approximately 15 hours and 45 minutes, subject to the final timetable.
3. What are the expected timings for Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper?
The reported New Delhi departure is 9:40 PM, with arrival in Varanasi at 6:45 AM the following day. The return service is expected to depart Varanasi at 8:50 PM and reach New Delhi at 5:55 AM.
4. How much is the Vande Bharat Sleeper ticket?
The final fare depends on the route, distance, class and applicable charges. Reported pricing for AC 3-tier is ₹2.40 per passenger-kilometre before GST, but passengers should check the actual fare before booking.
5. Where can passengers book tickets?
Check IRCTC for official booking availability once the relevant service is listed.
6. Will the new sleeper trains run every day?
Reports suggest the services may operate six days a week, with Saturday excluded in the proposed schedule for the Delhi-Varanasi service. Confirm the operating days for each train through official railway notifications.
Conclusion
The proposed Mumbai-Bengaluru and Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper services could improve overnight rail travel for business travellers, students, tourists and pilgrims. Their expected schedules, modern sleeper accommodation and route connectivity make them important additions to watch as Indian Railways expands its premium long-distance network.
Before booking, check the final timetable, station stops, fares and operating days through official railway channels. As more details are confirmed, passengers will be able to compare these services with existing trains and choose the option that best suits their travel needs.
