Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper to Launch Oct 31
Indian Railways to launch the Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper on Oct 31, 2026, cutting travel time to 9.2 hours with premium amenities.
Indian Railways is set to transform the travel experience between the national capital and the holy city of Varanasi. The highly anticipated Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper service is scheduled to be inaugurated on October 31, 2026. This launch marks a significant milestone as it will be the second Vande Bharat Sleeper Express to begin operations in the country.
The inaugural ceremony will be a prestigious event, with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expected to jointly flag off the new service. The timing of this launch is strategic, aimed at managing the heavy passenger influx during the upcoming festive season.
Faster Connectivity and Efficient Travel
The new sleeper service is designed to drastically reduce the time spent on the tracks. The journey between Delhi and Varanasi is expected to take approximately 9.2 hours, providing a much faster alternative for commuters and pilgrims alike.
The service will operate under the following train numbers:
- Train No. 27421: Departing from Varanasi.
- Train No. 27422: Departing from New Delhi.
To ensure consistent availability, the train will run six days a week. However, passengers should note the specific schedule exceptions: the train will not operate from Delhi on Fridays and will not operate from Varanasi on Saturdays.
Route Details and Major Stoppages
The Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper will serve several key locations, making it highly accessible for travelers across the region. Major scheduled stoppages include:
- Prayagraj Junction
- Kanpur Central
Additionally, the train is expected to have halts at Aligarh and Ghaziabad to cater to local passenger needs.
Premium Amenities and Passenger Capacity
The train will utilize a 16-coach rake designed to offer a high level of comfort for 823 passengers. The coach distribution is optimized to provide various classes of travel:
- First AC: 24 berths
- Second AC: 188 berths
- Third AC: 611 berths
Passengers can look forward to luxury features such as ergonomically cushioned berths and bio-vacuum toilets equipped with touchless fittings. For those traveling in First AC, the service will also include hot-water showers to enhance the overnight journey.
Advanced Safety and Booking Policy
Safety is at the core of this new service. The train will be equipped with the cutting-edge Kavach 4.0 safety system, ensuring the highest standards of protection for all travelers.
In a move to improve passenger certainty, Indian Railways is implementing a strict 'Zero-Waitlist' and 'Zero-RAC' policy for this service. Travelers can access a 60-day advance booking window, and Tatkal facilities will be available for both Second AC and Third AC classes, making it easier to secure seats during peak travel periods.