Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper Likely Via Pune-Solapur, Launch Expected Soon
Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper Likely Via Pune-Solapur, Launch Expected Soon
Railways are expected to introduce the premium overnight Vande Bharat Sleeper service within the next few weeks, with the Pune-Solapur corridor emerging as the finalised route alignment.
The much-awaited Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper train is likely to run via the Pune-Solapur route, according to senior railway officials familiar with the development. The decision is expected to end weeks of speculation over whether the train would operate through the Miraj-Hubballi corridor instead.
Railway sources said the Pune-Solapur alignment was selected after assessing operational feasibility, passenger demand and route efficiency. Officials believe the corridor offers stronger demand for premium long-distance travel between Maharashtra and Karnataka.
The new service is expected to directly benefit passengers travelling between Mumbai, Pune, Solapur, Kalaburagi and Bengaluru by offering a faster and more premium overnight travel option.
Officials indicated that the train could be launched within the next one to one-and-a-half months. Discussions over an alternative Miraj-Hubballi alignment were reportedly dropped after concerns emerged regarding operational limitations and lower expected passenger response.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is also expected to introduce stricter travel norms compared to conventional long-distance trains. Railway authorities have reportedly decided that passengers with RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) or waiting-list tickets will not be allowed to board the train. Only travellers holding fully confirmed tickets will be permitted entry.
In another major change, passengers will have to pay a minimum fare equivalent to 400 kilometres of travel, even if the actual journey distance is shorter. Officials said the rule is aimed at maintaining the premium positioning and operational viability of the service.
The fare structure has been finalised on a per-kilometre basis, with GST to be charged separately. For a 1,000-kilometre journey, estimated base fares are expected to be around ₹2,400 for Third AC, ₹3,100 for Second AC and ₹3,800 for First AC.
Compared to Rajdhani Express services operating on similar routes, the Vande Bharat Sleeper is likely to be nearly 20 percent more expensive. Current Rajdhani fares for a 1,000-kilometre journey generally range between ₹2,100 and ₹2,140 for Third AC, ₹2,850 and ₹2,910 for Second AC, and ₹3,530 to ₹3,600 for First AC.
Railway officials say the higher pricing reflects the upgraded onboard experience, faster travel time and modern sleeper coach facilities being introduced under the Vande Bharat Sleeper programme.
The train is expected to become one of the flagship overnight rail services connecting Maharashtra and Karnataka, while strengthening Pune’s connectivity on a major premium railway corridor.
