In a major development for rail passengers in North India, the Indian Railways is planning to launch a Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Bareilly and Mumbai, passing through key cities like Chandausi, Aligarh, and Agra. If everything proceeds according to plan, the train is expected to begin operations as early as July 2025, offering weekly service in both directions.

Comfortable and Faster Travel from Bareilly and Aligarh to Mumbai

The introduction of this sleeper version of the popular Vande Bharat Express is expected to significantly enhance long-distance travel comfort. Currently, travelers from Aligarh and Bareilly heading to Mumbai face limited options, with the Bareilly–Lokmanya Tilak Express being the primary train, running only once a week in each direction. Due to limited frequency and high demand, passengers often need to book tickets at least two months in advance.

The new Vande Bharat Sleeper will offer a more comfortable and efficient alternative, featuring AC 3-tier, AC 2-tier, and AC First Class coaches, with a total capacity of 823 passengers.

Confirmed Route and Scheduled Halts

According to railway sources, the route for the Bareilly to Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper train has already been finalized. After starting from Bareilly, the train will stop at Chandausi, Aligarh, Agra, Gwalior, Jhansi, Bina, Bhopal, Itarsi, Khandwa, Jalgaon, and Manmad, before reaching its final destination in Mumbai. The train will run on the Aligarh–Bareilly branch line at a speed of up to 110 km/h, ensuring quicker connectivity.

First-Ever Vande Bharat Sleeper Train in India

This will be the first sleeper version of the Vande Bharat Express, as all existing trains in the series currently operate with chair cars. The Indian Railways has already initiated speed trials on the proposed route, a key step before starting full-scale operations.

Improved Railway Facilities at Aligarh Station

In addition to the new train service, the Railways is also working to improve passenger amenities at Aligarh railway station and is considering adding halts for other major trains. Passenger feedback is being actively collected to guide these decisions.

Passengers Welcome the New Service

Regular commuters have welcomed the announcement. Rashmi Tiwari, a frequent traveler, mentioned that the new service would greatly reduce the hassle of traveling to Mumbai. Rahul Sharma, another passenger, pointed out that the availability of a direct train from Aligarh would eliminate the need to travel to Delhi, Agra, or Mathura to catch a Mumbai-bound train.

Why This Matters:

• Direct train from Aligarh to Mumbai for the first time via Vande Bharat.

• Sleeper version of Vande Bharat to enhance long-distance comfort.

• Faster, more reliable travel between Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.

• Major cities en route include Agra, Bhopal, Jhansi, and Itarsi.