Vande Bharat
Bengaluru : South Western Railway has proposed to run the inaugural special of Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Express on Nov 1, coinciding with Karnataka Rajyotsava. Sources said the fare for the 1,118-km journey between Bengaluru and Mumbai could range from Rs 2,600 to Rs 4,250, depending on the class of travel. The final fare structure is yet to be announced.
The train (27651/27652) will have 16 coaches — 11 AC three-tier, four AC two-tier and one AC first-class coach — with a total capacity of 823 berths. The existing Udyan Express, the principal daily direct train between the two cities, takes around 24 hours to complete the journey. The proposed Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to cover the distance in about 16 hours.
Because the model code of conduct was in force for Karnataka legislative council elections, an official said the service could not be launched in Oct. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bengaluru | Silver Rate in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru | Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Petrol Price in Bengaluru | Diesel Price in Bengaluru | CNG Price in Bengaluru | LPG Price in Bengaluru Stay updated with the latest Bengaluru news.
SWR sources said railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is expected to flag off the train, which will be the first Vande Bharat sleeper service in southern India. However, the date for commencement of regular commercial services is yet to be notified. The new service is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two cities, a route that has long lacked a faster overnight rail connection. The proposed route will pass through Anantapur, Guntakal, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Solapur and Kalyan before reaching Mumbai. Download the TOI App.