Varanasi to New Delhi: Vande Bharat Sleeper Launches Oct 31
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and CM Yogi Adityanath to launch the Vande Bharat Sleeper train between New Delhi and Varanasi on Oct 31.
Travel between the national capital and the spiritual heart of Uttar Pradesh is getting a massive upgrade. The second Vande Bharat Sleeper Varanasi New Delhi express is scheduled for inauguration on October 31, promising a new era of overnight luxury and speed for passengers.
The high-profile launch will be jointly performed by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. This move follows the official approval from the Railway Board, which issued a notification on October 27 confirming the operation of the new service.
Route and Connectivity
The train will operate under the numbers 27421 and 27422. While the primary connection is between New Delhi and Varanasi, the service is designed to benefit multiple urban centers across Uttar Pradesh. The train will make strategic stops at:
- Prayagraj
- Kanpur Central
- Aligarh
- Ghaziabad
A Leap in Luxury: Inside the Vande Bharat Sleeper
Developed under the "Make in India" initiative, this next-generation, self-propelled train consists of 16 air-conditioned coaches. It is specifically engineered for long-distance overnight journeys, focusing on superior comfort and efficiency.
Capacity and Accommodation
The train boasts a total of 823 berths, catering to different budget and luxury preferences:
- First AC: 24 berths for premium privacy.
- AC 2-Tier: 188 berths.
- AC 3-Tier: 611 berths.
Passenger Amenities
To ensure a seamless overnight experience, the train is equipped with 52 vacuum toilets, sealed gangways to reduce noise and dust, and mini-pantries for convenient dining on the go.
Speed, Safety, and Sustainability
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is not just about comfort; it is a powerhouse of modern engineering. It has been tested to reach speeds of 180 kmph, with a designated operational speed of 160 kmph, significantly cutting down travel time.
Cutting-Edge Safety Features
Safety has been prioritized with international and indigenous standards:
- Crashworthiness: Adheres to EN 15227 standards.
- Fire Safety: Complies with EN 45545 HL3 fire-safety standards.
- KAVACH: Equipped with the indigenous train protection system to prevent collisions.
- Surveillance: Full CCTV coverage and advanced fire-suppression systems are installed throughout the train.
Eco-Friendly Engineering
In line with Indian Railways' goal to modernize and sustain, the train features regenerative braking technology. This system allows the train to recover energy during braking, enhancing overall energy efficiency.
The introduction of this sleeper service on the New Delhi-Varanasi route is expected to provide a sophisticated alternative for travelers, blending the speed of the Vande Bharat series with the necessity of overnight berths.