Pune, 13th August 2026: The much-awaited Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is set to undergo a speed trial via Pune and Solapur, with two trainsets already reaching Bengaluru.
The trial will be conducted at up to 130 kmph and is expected to be completed within the next one to two weeks. The service will be Maharashtra’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express.
The train’s route has also been finalised. Despite earlier speculation that it would run via Miraj, the Railway Board has decided on the Kalaburagi–Solapur–Pune route. Officials said the Miraj alignment is not suitable for 130 kmph operations, leading to the selection of the Pune–Solapur corridor for the high-speed sleeper service.
The new service is expected to reduce the Pune–Bengaluru journey to around 13 hours, compared with 18 hours and 15 minutes taken by the existing Udyan Express. The full Mumbai–Bengaluru journey is expected to take about 16 hours, offering a major reduction in travel time between the two cities.
Railway researcher Piyush Sangapurekar said the service would significantly benefit passengers from Pune, Solapur and nearby regions.
“The Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper will run via Pune and Solapur, making travel more convenient for passengers in these regions. While existing trains can take around 24 hours, the new service is expected to cover the distance in about 16 hours,” he said.
The proposed service will operate six days a week, with one day reserved for maintenance. Two trainsets will be deployed, with departures expected from Mumbai and Bengaluru at around 9 pm. The Pune–Bengaluru leg is expected to take approximately 13 hours.
South Western Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Manjunath Kanamadi confirmed that both trainsets have reached Bengaluru and will soon undergo speed trials.
“Two trainsets have reached Bengaluru and the speed trial will be conducted shortly. The Railway Board will take the final decision on when the train will start operations,” he said.
The final launch date will depend on the completion of speed trials and approval from the Railway Board. Once operational, the service is expected to provide a faster overnight rail link between Mumbai, Pune, Solapur and Bengaluru.
