Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Oct 21: The long-awaited Vande Bharat Sleeper service connecting Bengaluru, the country’s technology capital, with Mumbai, its financial capital, could be launched as early as November 1, Moneycontrol reported.

The proposed service is expected to cover 1,118 km in around 16 hours, with Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVB) in Byappanahalli likely to serve as the departure and arrival point in Bengaluru instead of KSR Bengaluru City railway station.

The Railways is yet to officially announce the launch date, timetable, fares and stoppages for the proposed service.

November 1 marks Karnataka Rajyotsava, commemorating the formation of the state. However, an official announcement on the train’s launch could be delayed due to the model code of conduct in force for the biennial Karnataka Legislative Council elections.

According to the proposed schedule, the train is expected to depart SMVB at 7.50 pm and reach Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai at 11.55 am the following day. On the return journey, it is likely to leave Mumbai at 8.10 pm and arrive in Bengaluru at 11.55 am the next day.

The service is expected to operate six days a week, covering the Bengaluru-Mumbai route in around 16 hours and five minutes. The return journey is estimated to take 15 hours and 45 minutes.

Vande Bharat Sleeper to slash travel time

The proposed train is expected to operate at an average speed of around 69.5-71 kmph. Possible stoppages include Anantapur, Guntakal, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Solapur, Pune and Kalyan.

Currently, the Udyan Express is the only direct daily train connecting Bengaluru and Mumbai. It covers 1,134 km in around 22 hours at an average speed of approximately 52 kmph.

The proposed Vande Bharat Sleeper could therefore cut rail travel time by around six hours compared with the Udyan Express, depending on the final timetable and operating conditions.

The road journey between Bengaluru and Mumbai, covering around 984 km, normally takes 15-17 hours, depending on traffic and route conditions.

Proposed train to have 823 berths

The Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to have a 16-coach configuration with a total capacity of 823 berths. This is likely to comprise 11 AC three-tier coaches offering 611 berths, four AC two-tier coaches with 188 berths, and one AC first-class coach with 24 berths.

Indicative fares range from Rs 2,684 to Rs 4,250

The proposed Bengaluru-Mumbai service could cost passengers around Rs 2,684 for AC three-tier, Rs 3,466 for AC two-tier and Rs 4,250 for AC first class. The Railways is yet to announce the official fare structure.
For comparison, fares on the Udyan Express are around Rs 1,475 for AC three-tier, Rs 2,100 for AC two-tier and Rs 3,520 for AC first class.

Based on the proposed berth capacity and indicative fares, the new service could generate gross passenger-fare revenue of around Rs 23.94 lac for a fully occupied one-way trip.