The train service has changed to the point that it creates confusion about whether to travel between Bengaluru and Mumbai by flight or by Vande Bharat train. Train passengers say, “Well done, this is the right kind of competition.”
For the convenience of those traveling between the two cities, a Vande Bharat train with sleeper facilities has recently been introduced.
As a result, travel time has been greatly reduced, making it highly beneficial for the public.
The newly introduced Vande Bharat sleeper train has become the perfect choice for those who cannot travel by flight but want to travel quickly and comfortably.
The Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat sleeper train was flagged off by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on November 1. Covering a distance of about 1,118 km in around 16 hours, this train has three classes.
The fare charged is Rs. 2,810 for an AC 3-tier coach, Rs. 3,630 for an AC 2-tier coach, and Rs. 4,450 for First Class AC.
For one kilometer, these fares work out to approximately Rs. 2.51, Rs. 3.25, and Rs. 3.98 respectively. GST is charged separately.
Currently, this Vande Bharat train service operates only with confirmed tickets, without reservation (RAC) or waitlist facilities.
Similarly, the minimum fare for the Bengaluru-Mumbai flight is Rs. 4,178. It takes about two hours to cover an aerial distance of around 835 km. Accordingly, air travel costs Rs. 5 per kilometer.
So, traveling in the AC 3-tier class of the Vande Bharat sleeper train would cost Rs. 1,368 more than traveling by flight; however, it would save about 14 hours of travel time. But if you factor in getting to the airport, check-in and waiting time, and getting out of the airport, only about 10 hours would be saved.
Currently, the Vande Bharat train departs from Bengaluru railway station at 7:45 p.m. and reaches Mumbai at 11:55 a.m. the next day. On the return route, it departs from Mumbai at 8:10 p.m. and reaches Bengaluru in the afternoon.
Compared with a 10-hour journey or travel at a fixed time, Vande Bharat travel is expected to soon become as fast as air travel.
