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Indian Railways could soon introduce a new overnight rail service between Bengaluru and Mumbai, with the proposed launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express on November 1. South Western Railway (SWR) has suggested the date for an inaugural special run to coincide with Karnataka Rajyotsava, the states formation day. According to SWR sources cited by TOI, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is expected to flag off the train. However, the date for the start of regular commercial services has not been announced yet. The proposed service will be the first Vande Bharat sleeper train to operate in southern India and the second sleeper service in the Vande Bharat series.
Indian Railways has introduced multiple safety systems in the countrys first indigenous hydrogen-powered train, including hydrogen leak detectors, flame sensors, continuous ventilation and an automatic fuel cut-off mechanism. The systems are designed to detect potential hazards and respond quickly, while a dedicated emergency mode allows the loco pilot to move the train to safety if required. Inaugurated on July 17, 2026, the hydrogen fuel cell-powered train is set to operate on the Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway. The pilot project combines hydrogen-based propulsion with dedicated storage, refuelling and operational infrastructure as Indian Railways explores cleaner alternatives to conventional diesel traction.
