Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Via Pune-Solapur Expected In Weeks, Miraj-Hubballi Route Rejected

Passengers waiting for the Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper may finally have clarity on the route. Railway officials are now likely to run the premium sleeper train via the Pune-Solapur corridor, ending weeks of speculation around a possible Miraj-Hubballi alignment.

The much-awaited train is expected to be introduced in the coming weeks, and railway sources said the Pune-Solapur route has almost been finalised after reviewing passenger demand, operational feasibility and overall efficiency.

The development comes as a relief for travellers from Pune and Solapur, who were worried about losing direct connectivity if the train was diverted through Miraj and Hubballi.

Why Railways Chose The Pune-Solapur Route

In recent weeks, discussions within railway circles suggested that the Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper could run via Miraj and Hubballi instead of Pune and Solapur. That possibility triggered concern among regular passengers travelling between Mumbai and Bengaluru.

Railway officials now believe the Pune-Solapur corridor makes more sense because of stronger passenger demand for premium overnight travel between Maharashtra and Karnataka.

The route is also expected to benefit passengers travelling through Kalaburagi, apart from Mumbai, Pune, Solapur and Bengaluru.

A Pune-based frequent rail traveller, Sachin Alande, said passengers were worried that the Miraj diversion could increase travel time for those boarding from Pune and Solapur.

"The decision to run the Vande Bharat Sleeper through Pune is a major relief and will help thousands of regular travellers," he said.

No RAC Or Waiting Tickets Likely On Vande Bharat Sleeper

Railway authorities have also reportedly finalised some strict ticketing rules for the service.

Unlike regular long-distance trains, passengers travelling on RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) or waiting-list tickets may not be allowed to board the Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper at all. Only confirmed ticket holders are expected to get entry.

Another major change is the minimum fare rule. Even if a passenger travels a shorter distance, they may still have to pay a fare equal to at least 400 kilometres of travel.

Officials believe these rules are necessary to maintain the premium positioning of the service.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Ticket Fares Expected To Be Higher Than Rajdhani

Ticket prices for the Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper are expected to be around 20% higher than fares on the Rajdhani Express.

For a journey of around 1,000 kilometres, third AC fares may cost nearly Rs 2,400. Second AC fares are expected to be around Rs 3,100, while first AC passengers could pay close to Rs 3,800.

In comparison, Rajdhani Express fares for similar distances currently range between Rs 2,100 and Rs 2,140 for third AC passengers.

The Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to become one of the most important premium overnight train services connecting Maharashtra and Karnataka once officially launched.