Railways approves overnight Mumbai–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper

Mumbai is set to get its first Vande Bharat Sleeper train service to Bengaluru, with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw formally approving the premium overnight service between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and KSR Bengaluru.The development gained public attention after Bengaluru Central MP P. C. Mohan shared on his social media handle a copy of the minister's approval letter dated April 5, which follows the correct month date format.In the letter, Vaishnaw stated, "the introduction of new Vande Bharat Sleeper train between KSR Bengaluru and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (T) has been approved."Sources indicated that two sleeper Vande Bharat rakes are likely to be deployed for the route, with one rake originating from Mumbai and the other from Bengaluru, enabling an overnight up-and-down daily service between the two major metros.The Mumbai–Bengaluru service will become the second Vande Bharat Sleeper corridor in the country, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya) in January this year, linking West Bengal and Assam.At present, there is only one dedicated daily train — Udyan Express — between Bengaluru and Mumbai. It runs via Guntakal and Kalaburagi, covering 1,136 km and serving mainly Andhra Pradesh. The train takes 23 hours and 35 minutes from Bengaluru to Mumbai and 21 hours and 50 minutes in the return direction.There is also one LTT-SMVB weekly special trains. Other trains from Mumbai which pass via Bengaluru include Trivandrum express (daily), LTT-Coimbatore express (daily), Dadar Pondicherry express and Dadar-Tirunelveli express (both tri-weekly). Trivandrum express is the fastest, taking 18 hours and 44 minutes.Designed specifically for long-distance journeys, the train comprises 16 modern coaches with a total capacity of 823 passengers. Capable of operating at speeds of up to 180 kmph, the train is expected to cut travel time while delivering a quiet and premium travel experience.Ergonomically designed sleeping berths are intended to provide better body support for overnight journeys. Automatic doors with vestibules between coaches are aimed at ensuring safe and convenient movement within the train. An advanced suspension system is intended to enhance ride quality by minimising jerks and vibrations.The train is equipped with modern toilets and advanced disinfectant technology.
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