New Delhi: The Central Government has approved the introduction of a new Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Bengaluru, the IT capital, and Mumbai, the commercial hub.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi had submitted a proposal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, seeking better connectivity for North Karnataka, Central Karnataka, and Kalyana Karnataka regions.

Responding to the request, the Central Government has now approved the operation of the new Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Bengaluru and Mumbai via the Kalyana Karnataka route. The train will run from KSR Bengaluru Station to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai.

The proposed route will cover key cities including Tumakuru, Davanagere, Haveri, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Belagavi. Initially, Joshi had suggested introducing a Bengaluru–Mumbai superfast train, which would later be upgraded to a Vande Bharat Sleeper service.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has also approved this proposal.

Joshi stated that the Centre is prioritizing the development of Kalyana Karnataka along with the overall growth of the state. The new train is expected to boost commercial activity and provide faster, more efficient travel for passengers.