Second Vande Bharat sleeper set to launch this month between Bengaluru and Mumbai; cutting travel time from 24 hours to under 16 hours, 30 year wait for faster connectivity between two cities to end
Vande Bharat sleeper: Indian Railways is all set to roll out the second Vande Bharat sleeper train after launching the first pair between Guwahati and Howrah earlier this year.After prolonged delays, the Railway Board is expected to issue the notification for the KSR Bengaluru-Mumbai CSMT Vande Bharat Sleeper shortly. According to sources, the train is likely to be flagged off later this month.The country’s second Vande Bharat sleeper service is expected to substantially reduce the time taken to travel by rail between Bengaluru, India’s technology hub, and Mumbai, its financial capital.Also Read | With better than Rajdhani experience & 160 kmph speed, can Vande Bharat sleeper trains be a game-changer for Indian Railways?
Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper: Expected Travel Time
Under the proposed schedule, the premium train will run six days a week in each direction, covering the distance in under 16 hours. At present, the Udyan Express, the only direct daily train connecting the two cities, takes an average of 24 hours to complete the journey.As per the tentative timings, the service may leave KSR Bengaluru at 10 PM and arrive at Mumbai CSMT at 1:50 PM the next day. On the return journey, it could start from Mumbai at 10:30 PM, reaching Bengaluru at 1:50 PM the following day. These are tentative timings and are subject to change.Although the official launch date has not yet been declared, the railway zones have been asked to commence the service at the earliest convenient opportunity.Its scheduled halts will include Anantapur, Guntakal, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Solapur and Kalyan, according to this TOI report.For more than 30 years, passengers have been seeking faster rail connectivity between Bengaluru and Mumbai. Despite repeated assurances, train journeys between the two cities continue to take considerable time.The proposed Vande Bharat Sleeper service is expected to address this long-standing demand and improve connectivity between the cities.
What makes Vande Bharat sleeper special?
The Vande Bharat sleeper train has 16 passenger coaches. The rake includes 11 AC 3-tier coaches, four AC 2-tier coaches and one AC First Class coach.The train has been designed to operate at speeds of up to 160 kmph, while its testing speed is 180 kmph, placing it in the semi-high-speed category. However, most sections of the Indian Railways network are not equipped to permit trains to operate at such high speeds.Drawing on design elements seen in European trains, the Vande Bharat sleeper coaches feature cushioned berths aimed at providing greater comfort. The design of the upper berths has also been modified to make climbing up easier for passengers.Passenger amenities include dedicated night lights, integrated public announcement systems accompanied by visual displays, CCTV cameras and modular pantry units.The sleeper train is also equipped with modern bio-vacuum toilets similar to those used in aircraft. A separate toilet designed for disabled passengers also has a baby care station. Passengers travelling in AC First Class additionally have access to shower facilities with hot water.For safety, the Vande Bharat sleeper train comes fitted with the indigenous KAVACH anti-collision system. Like the chair car versions of Vande Bharat, the sleeper variant will also use regenerative braking technology to improve energy efficiency.Automatic interconnecting doors have been provided between the coaches. The gangways are fully sealed, helping maintain clean air inside the train as well as effective temperature control.Passenger convenience features in every coach include individual reading lights, charging points and refreshment tables. The interiors use GFRP panels. The train doors are designed to open automatically at designated stations.The train also comes with a Centralised Coach Monitoring System. An emergency communication facility allows passengers to communicate directly with the driver when required.Meanwhile, ICF is also working on developing its own version of the Vande Bharat sleeper train.
