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Pune–Bengaluru travel time to reduce to 13 hours via new Vande Bharat sleeper train
Currently, trains like Udyan Express take around 18 hours 15 minutes and Coimbatore Express takes about 19 hours 20 minutes to cover the Pune–Bengaluru route
The Pune–Bengaluru journey is expected to reduce to 13 hours as Indian Railways has approved the Mumbai–Bengaluru Vande Bharat sleeper service. The train will pass through Pune, Solapur, and Wadi.
Currently, trains like Udyan Express take around 18 hours 15 minutes and Coimbatore Express takes about 19 hours 20 minutes to cover the Pune–Bengaluru route.
In his official communication dated April 5 to Bangalore Central constituency Member of Parliament PC Mohan, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the approval, stating, “The new Vande Bharat Sleeper train between KSR Bengaluru and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus has been approved for public convenience.”
The service is proposed to run six days a week, with one day reserved for maintenance. Two train sets will be deployed, with departures scheduled around 9 pm from both Mumbai and Bengaluru.
Equipped with modern features, the train will include the indigenous ‘Kavach’ safety system to prevent collisions. The rake will consist of 16 coaches, including 11 AC three-tier coaches with 611 berths, four AC two-tier coaches with 188 berths, and one AC first-class coach with 24 berths, taking the total passenger capacity to 823.
Passengers have welcomed the move, highlighting the significant time savings and improved comfort. “This is a much-needed upgrade. Cutting down the journey by five hours will make a huge difference, especially for working professionals like me who frequently travel between Pune and Bengaluru,” said Rahul Deshmukh, an IT professional.
Another passenger, Sneha Murkuti, a college student, said, “The addition of sleeper coaches with modern facilities is a big relief. Overnight travel will now be faster and far more comfortable compared to existing trains.”
