Pune is set to get its first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express as part of the approved Mumbai–Bengaluru route, offering faster and more comfortable overnight travel.
The new train is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Pune and Bengaluru to around 13 hours, saving passengers more than five hours compared to existing services.
Currently, trains like Udyan Express and Coimbatore Express take between 18 to 19 hours to cover the same distance. The introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to bring a major upgrade in both speed and convenience for long-distance travelers.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has approved the new service, and while the final route details are yet to be officially announced, railway officials have indicated that the train will pass through Pune, Solapur, and Wadi.
The sections between Daund–Wadi and Wadi–Guntakal have already been upgraded to support speeds of up to 130 km/h, which the train will utilize.
The train has successfully undergone trials at speeds up to 180 km/h, though its operational speed on this route will be capped at 130 km/h due to track conditions. It will also feature the indigenous ‘Kavach’ safety system designed to prevent collisions.
Designed for overnight journeys, the train will have 16 coaches with a total capacity of 823 passengers. It will include AC three-tier, AC two-tier, and first-class compartments.
Passengers can expect modern amenities such as improved cushioned berths, sensor-based lighting, easy-access ladders, and airline-style bio-vacuum toilets.
The service is expected to run six days a week, with one day reserved for maintenance. Two train sets will be used, with departures from Mumbai and Bengaluru likely scheduled around 9 PM.
This new addition is expected to boost connectivity between Maharashtra and Karnataka while offering a faster, safer, and more comfortable travel option for passengers from Pune.
