The update was confirmed through an official communication by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The announcement later gained attention after Bengaluru MP P. C. Mohan shared it publicly.
At present, trains like the Udyan Express take around 21 to 23 hours to cover the distance. The upcoming sleeper version of Vande Bharat is expected to reduce travel time to about 15–17 hours, making overnight travel quicker.
The train will come with modern features aimed at improving passenger comfort. It is expected to have 16 fully air-conditioned sleeper coaches and a total capacity of around 823 passengers. It will also offer better suspension for smoother journeys and well-designed berths for rest.
Officials said the train can reach speeds of up to 180 km/h, though actual speeds will depend on track conditions.
The likely route will connect key cities such as Pune, Solapur, Kalaburagi, Raichur and Guntakal, improving connectivity across regions.
This will be the second Vande Bharat Sleeper service in India. The plan includes daily operations with trains running from both Mumbai and Bengaluru.
The move is part of Indian Railways’ larger plan to upgrade long-distance travel and offer services that match modern comfort and speed. Officials have also said that around 12 such sleeper trains are expected to be introduced by 2026.
For regular travellers, this new train could become a preferred option, offering faster travel, better comfort, and improved rail connectivity between the two major cities.
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