Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Mumbai-Bengaluru Sleeper Train Awaits Railway Board Route Decision
A new overnight train between Mumbai and Bengaluru is being planned.
Officials have not yet decided which route it will use.
One choice goes through Solapur and would be shorter.
The other goes through Hubballi and would connect more cities.
The Hubballi route would probably take longer because it covers more distance.
A train carriage set was moved from South Western Railway to Northern Railway, which created speculation.
Railway officials said this move does not prove that the Mumbai-Bengaluru train has been reassigned.
The Railway Board must decide the route, schedule, number of services and starting date before the train can begin.
The proposed Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper service still lacks a final route.
The Railway Board is choosing between the shorter Solapur route and the longer Hubballi route.
A Vande Bharat Sleeper rake transferred from South Western Railway to Northern Railway has fueled speculation about the service.
Officials said the rake was not specifically allotted to the Mumbai-Bengaluru service and its transfer is not confirmation of a change.
The Railway Board must still decide the number of services, timetable, rake deployment and launch date.
- Who
- The Railway Board and railway officials are deciding the proposed Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper service.
- What
- A proposed overnight Vande Bharat Sleeper service is awaiting decisions on its route and operating plan.
- When
- The route remained undecided as of September 16, 2026.
- Where
- The proposed service would connect Mumbai and Bengaluru, with possible routes through Solapur or Hubballi.
- Why
- The service is intended to provide faster overnight connectivity than existing options such as the nearly 22-hour Udyan Express.
Solapur Route
Hubballi Route
Travel time
Solapur Route
The Solapur route is shorter and could provide a faster journey.
Hubballi Route
The Hubballi route is longer and could result in a longer journey time.
Passenger coverage
Solapur Route
The route could improve connectivity along the Mumbai-Solapur corridor.
Hubballi Route
The route would cover more cities and potentially serve a wider passenger base.
Service decision
Solapur Route
Supporters of the shorter route would prioritize a more competitive travel time.
Hubballi Route
Supporters of the longer route would prioritize broader city coverage.
- Proposed service
- Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper
- Route options
- Solapur or Hubballi
- Current fast connection
- Udyan Express takes nearly 22 hours
- Rake movement
- A newly allotted Vande Bharat Sleeper rake moved from South Western Railway to Northern Railway
- Pending decisions
- Route, number of services, timetable, rake deployment and launch date
- Potential benefit
- Faster overnight connectivity for business travellers, students and tourists