BENGALURU – 2 Nov, 2026 Union Minister for Railways Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw today flagged off the SMVT Bengaluru-Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Express in the presence of Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy, Minister of State for Railways Shri V. Somanna, Minister of State Sushri Shobha Karandlaje and other dignitaries. The flag-off ceremony marks an important step towards strengthening modern overnight rail connectivity between two of India's leading metropolitan and economic centres.
Hon’ble Minister of Railways Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw, along with other dignitaries, flagged off the Bengaluru–Mumbai #VandeBharat_Sleeper train. https://t.co/2Gro8cQO5B
The introduction of this next-generation sleeper train will provide passengers with an additional modern, comfortable and efficient travel option between Bengaluru and Mumbai. The service is expected to benefit professionals, entrepreneurs, business travellers, students, traders and tourists while strengthening connectivity across important regional centres in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.