Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper to Launch October 31
UP's first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express launches Oct 31, connecting Varanasi and New Delhi with faster travel and modern amenities.
Travel between the spiritual capital of India and the national capital is set for a major upgrade. The Varanasi New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will be officially flagged off on October 31, 2026, by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw.
This launch is a significant milestone as it introduces the first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper service in Uttar Pradesh and marks only the second such service in the entire country, following the Howrah-Guwahati corridor.
Cutting-Edge Design and Capacity
The train has been meticulously designed and manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory in Perambur, Chennai. A fully air-conditioned marvel, the train consists of 16 coaches providing a total of 823 berths to accommodate passengers in comfort.
The berth distribution is as follows:
- First AC: 24 berths
- AC 2-Tier: 188 berths
- AC 3-Tier: 611 berths
Faster Journeys and Enhanced Safety
Efficiency and safety are at the core of this new service. The train is equipped with the indigenous Kavach train protection system and is cleared to reach speeds of up to 160 kmph. This technological leap will result in shorter travel times compared to the Shiv Ganga Express, reducing the journey from Varanasi to New Delhi by 55 minutes and the return trip by 35 minutes.
Schedules and Route Details
The inaugural journey (Train No. 02527) will commence from Varanasi at 4:15 PM on October 31, arriving in New Delhi at 2:00 AM on November 1.
Regular Operational Timings
Once regular operations begin, the schedule will be as follows:
- Varanasi to New Delhi (Train No. 27421): Departs Varanasi at 8:50 PM and arrives in New Delhi at 6:10 AM. The train will make strategic stops at Prayagraj Junction, Kanpur Central, Aligarh, and Ghaziabad.
- New Delhi to Varanasi (Train No. 27422): Departs New Delhi at 9:40 PM and arrives in Varanasi at 7:10 AM.
The service will operate six days a week. It is important to note that there will be no departures from Varanasi on Fridays and no departures from New Delhi on Saturdays.
Boosting Regional Connectivity
Beyond the high-speed intercity link, the Railway Board is also focusing on local transit. In a move to bolster regional connectivity, eight daily MEMU services have been approved to operate between Varanasi City and Raja Talab.