Vande Bharat Sleeper Train 60-96% Costlier Than Other Trains on Bengaluru-Mumbai Route

The Vande Bharat Sleeper train operating between Bengaluru and Mumbai has emerged as the fastest rail service on this route, covering a distance of more than 1,100 kilometres in just 16 hours and 10 minutes. The faster journey is expected to save passengers approximately six hours compared with other trains operating on the route.
 

However, the modern sleeper train comes with significantly higher ticket prices than conventional services. The fare for Third AC has been fixed at ₹2,810, while Second AC passengers will have to pay ₹3,630. The First AC ticket will cost ₹4,450.
 

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the train on November 1. It began commercial operations from Mumbai on November 2.
 

According to railway officials, the service has received a positive response from passengers, with tickets sold out across all three classes. Tickets for the coming weeks are currently available on the waiting list.
 

Vande Bharat Sleeper Fares Up to 96% Higher Than Other Trains
 

The ticket prices of the Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper are considerably higher than those of other trains operating on the same route.
 

The Third AC fare is between 60 and 96 per cent higher than comparable services. Similarly, Second AC tickets are 65 to 78 per cent more expensive, while First AC fares are 20 to 30 per cent higher.
 

For comparison, the Coimbatore-Mumbai LTT Express takes approximately 21 hours and 55 minutes to complete the journey. Its fares for Third AC, Second AC and First AC are ₹1,435, ₹2,045 and ₹3,425, respectively.
 

The Ajmer Express takes around 22 hours to cover the same route. Its corresponding fares are ₹1,510 for Third AC, ₹2,155 for Second AC and ₹3,610 for First AC.
 

Even compared with the premium Humsafar Express, the Third AC fare of the Vande Bharat Sleeper is approximately 63 per cent higher.
 

Train to Operate Six Days a Week
 

According to the Railway Ministry, the new sleeper service will connect several important cities across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.
 

The train will pass through Anantapur, Guntakal, Raichur, Yadgir, Wadi, Kalaburagi, Solapur, Pune and Kalyan.
 

From Bengaluru, the train will depart from SMVT Bengaluru station at 7:45 pm and reach Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus at 11:55 am the following day.
 

On its return journey, it will leave Mumbai at 8:10 pm and arrive in Bengaluru at 12 noon the next day.
 

The Vande Bharat Sleeper will operate six days a week. There will be no service from Bengaluru on Mondays and from Mumbai on Tuesdays.