Residents of Pune may soon find train travel to Bengaluru a more appealing option for work, education, and other activities. The Indian Railways has given the green light for a new Vande Bharat Sleeper service along the Mumbai–Bengaluru route, with Pune anticipated to be a significant stop on this line.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the approval in a formal letter to P C Mohan, the MP for Bangalore Central, who subsequently shared the news on his X account on Saturday.

Implications for Pune commuters

At present, individuals traveling from Pune to Bengaluru by train face a limited selection of often inconvenient options.

The quickest and most straightforward connection is the weekly Trivandrum Express (16331), which operates between Pune Junction and Bengaluru’s Krishnarajapuram station, taking roughly 15 hours to complete the journey.

Consequently, many passengers resort to overnight buses, which can be exhausting, or opt for flights, which tend to be costly.

The forthcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper is projected to traverse the Pune–Bengaluru route in approximately 14 hours.

Featuring modern sleeper coaches and enhanced facilities, it is anticipated to provide a more pleasant overnight travel experience.

The train is expected to start its journey in Mumbai, make a stop in Pune, and then proceed onward. It will likely travel through Solapur, Wadi Junction in Kalaburagi, Raichur, and Guntakal under the South Western Railway zone before arriving in Bengaluru.

However, specific details regarding the stops, timetable, and ticket prices have yet to be officially disclosed.

According to Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer for Central Railway, “The Vande Bharat Sleeper will not replace the current Udyan Express, and the exact launch date and travel time are still to be finalized.”

Officials mentioned that schedules and operational specifics will be released once formal directives are provided.

The announcement has been positively received by regular travelers on this route.

Arya Oulkar, an IT professional who frequently commutes between Pune and Bengaluru, expressed that this service addresses a long-standing need for commuters.

“A dependable and comfortable overnight train that arrives in Bengaluru by morning is precisely what this route requires. It will save time, reduce costs, and alleviate the stress associated with early morning flights,” she noted.

The new service also holds potential benefits for students.

K Shambhavi, a college student who often travels between the two cities, stated that affordable and comfortable overnight travel has always posed a challenge.