Bengaluru: South Western Railway has proposed to run the inaugural special of Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Express on Nov 1, coinciding with Karnataka Rajyotsava.However, the date for commencement of regular commercial services is yet to be notified. SWR sources said railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is expected to flag off the train, which will be the first Vande Bharat sleeper service in southern India.The train (27651/27652) will have 16 coaches — 11 AC three-tier, four AC two-tier and one AC first-class coach — with a total capacity of 823 berths.Sources said the fare for the 1,118-km journey between Bengaluru and Mumbai could range from Rs 2,600 to Rs 4,250, depending on the class of travel. The final fare structure is yet to be announced.The new service is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two cities, a route that has long lacked a faster overnight rail connection. The existing Udyan Express, the principal daily direct train between the two cities, takes around 24 hours to complete the journey. The proposed Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to cover the distance in about 16 hours.The proposed route will pass through Anantapur, Guntakal, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Solapur and Kalyan before reaching Mumbai.An official said the service could not be launched in Oct because the model code of conduct was in force for Karnataka legislative council elections.
