SWR push for Bengaluru–Mumbai Vande Bharat sleeper gains steam

Hubballi: After Indian Railways introduced the Vande Bharat (VB) sleeper train between Howrah and Kamakhya in Jan 2026, plans are underway to roll out 10-12 such trains by March 2027. Railway enthusiasts are now pressing for the second VB sleeper train in the country to run between Bengaluru and Mumbai via Hubballi, the headquarters of South Western Railway.

Many, including Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar, have approached the Union railway minister and the Railway Board and have received a positive response.Shettar told TOI that he recently met Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to press for the service. “A VB sleeper train is much needed between Bengaluru and Mumbai to modernise the long-distance journey of around 1,200 km. It will serve passengers travelling between Bengaluru, North Karnataka and Mumbai with superior onboard comfort,” he said, adding that the minister assured him the demand would be considered on priority.Mahendra Singhi, member of the SWR Zonal Railway Users’ Consultative Committee, Hubballi, said he submitted a memorandum through the SWR general manager seeking the train. “The route covers six districts — Bengaluru, Tumakuru, Davanagere, Haveri, Dharwad and Belagavi — all economically significant. On the Maharashtra side, Sangli, Satara, Pune and Thane will benefit. Heavy traffic between Bengaluru and Hubballi, and Pune and Mumbai, shows the need for such a premium service.

It can boost the regional economy,” he said.Davanagere MP Prabha Mallikarjun has also written to the Railways seeking a VB sleeper between Bengaluru and Hubballi. Rohit S Jain, secretary, SWR Passengers Committee, Davanagere, said the Bengaluru–Davanagere–Hubballi–Belagavi stretch is a major IT-BT and commercial corridor. “It contributes significantly to GST compared to other routes. Running a VB sleeper here would be economically viable,” he said.Union minister of state for railways V Somanna was unavailable for comment.