BENGALURU: Train travel between Bengaluru and Mumbai is expected to be fast and more comfortable, with Indian Railways approving Vande Bharat sleeper service. The route, stops, travel time and launch date will be announced soon, sources said. Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Bangalore Central MP PC Mohan in a letter about the approval for the new sleeper train. TOI reported on Jan 6 that the Railways was actively considering this proposal. Udyan Express, introduced in 1983, is the main rail link between Mumbai and Bengaluru. Despite passage of time and tech upgrades, it still operates on relatively slow tracks, taking more than 22 hours to cover the 1,139-km distance. Journey by bus takes about 16 hours. Sources said the planned new Vande Bharat service won’t replace Udyan Express.‘VB service should aim for 16-17 hr travel time’Sources in Central Railway told TOI the new train Vande Bharat service is likely to run via Pune, Solapur, Kalaburagi, Raichur and Guntakal, the route taken by Udyan Express. Vande Bharat is already operational between Mumbai and Solapur. There will be no technical constraints to run a sleeper service, sources added. Mohan told TOI people travelling between the two cities had, for long, been demanding a faster and more convenient train service. Welcoming the announcement, many commuters have enquired about stops and whether the train will run via Kalaburagi or Hubballi. Trade activist Sajjan Raj Mehta said, “It’s a welcome move. In the absence of a superfast train, many travellers have to rely on buses or expensive air travel. Bus journeys take 14-15 hours. The new train service should aim to keep travel time within 16 to 17 hours for the larger benefit of passengers.”
