Long-distance overnight passenger travel in India has taken another major step forward with the rollout of the nation's third Vande Bharat sleeper express. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw officially flagged off the inaugural run of the cutting-edge train set from Bengaluru on Sunday. Regular scheduled services for commercial passengers kick off on Monday, November 2, linking the state capitals of Karnataka and Maharashtra. Addressing the gathering during the launch event, Vaishnaw noted that this train effectively connects Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, bringing key parts of North Karnataka into an advanced passenger transit network that had previously remained unserved by such high-speed links.
Operating Frequency Across the Week
To cater to consistent business, leisure, and personal transit demand between both commercial powerhouses, Indian Railways has scheduled this express to operate six days every week, leaving a single designated day open for mandatory maintenance and overhauls.
- Bengaluru to Mumbai departures: The service runs on all days of the week except Tuesdays.
- Mumbai to Bengaluru departures: The train operates on all days except Wednesdays.
Timings, Train Numbers, and Operational Schedule
According to route schedules outlined by railway authorities, train number 27652 running from Bengaluru to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai will begin its regular timetable starting November 3. It will pull out of Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal at 19:45 hours in the evening, reaching its destination in Mumbai at 11:55 hours the following morning.
For the return leg, train number 27651 departing Mumbai will initiate its regular timetable from November 2. The train will depart Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus at 20:10 hours at night, pulling into Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal in Bengaluru at 12:00 hours noon the next day. The entire intercity corridor will be covered in 16 hours and 10 minutes.
Halts and Coach Configurations
To provide modern accommodation across various budget brackets, the train has been assembled with 16 fully air-conditioned coaches. Passengers can book berths in First Class AC, Second Class AC, and Third Class AC. Throughout the run, the rake will halt at strategically significant industrial hubs, junctions, and regional centers
- Anantapur
- Guntakal
- Raichur
- Yadgir
- Kalaburagi
- Solapur
- Pune
- Kalyan
Detailed Timetable Breakdown by Station
Train number 27652 commences its journey at SMVT Bengaluru, making its first major halt at Anantapur with an arrival at 10:28 pm (departure 10:30 pm), followed by Guntakal at 11:20 pm (departure 11:25 pm). Continuing past midnight, it touches Raichur at 01:03 am (departure 01:05 am), Yadgir at 01:43 am (departure 01:45 am), Kalaburagi at 03:08 am (departure 03:10 am), and Solapur at 04:20 am (departure 04:25 am). Reaching Western Maharashtra by morning, it halts at Pune at 08:00 am (departure 08:05 am), Kalyan at 10:42 am (departure 10:44 am), and concludes at CSMT Mumbai at 11:55 am.
In reverse direction, train number 27651 pulls out from CSMT Mumbai at 08:10 pm, halting at Kalyan at 08:48 pm (departure 08:50 pm) and Pune at 11:40 pm (departure 11:45 pm). Early morning halts include Solapur at 03:00 am (departure 03:05 am), Kalaburagi at 04:13 am (departure 04:15 am), Yadgir at 05:08 am (departure 05:10 am), Raichur at 06:03 am (departure 06:05 am), Guntakal at 07:30 am (departure 07:35 am), and Anantapur at 08:38 am (departure 08:40 am), reaching SMVT Bengaluru at 12:00 pm.
Fare Structure Across Travel Classes
Ticketing tariffs have been established based on the chosen level of comfort along the full length of the Bengaluru-Mumbai route. A berth in the Third AC coach costs 2,810 rupees, while passengers opting for Second Class AC will pay 3,630 rupees. For the top-tier First Class AC cabins, the ticket price has been fixed at 4,450 rupees. Outfitted with upgraded suspension, ergonomic berths, and enhanced noise isolation, this new sleeper rake aims to offer a reliable and comfortable overnight transit choice between the two metropolises.
