Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper Launching Oct 31
The Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper launches Oct 31, 2026, featuring premium AC coaches and advanced Kavach 4.0 safety.
Indian Railways is all set to revolutionize long-distance travel with the launch of the Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper train on October 31, 2026. This highly anticipated service is scheduled to begin operations just ahead of the Diwali and Chhath Puja festivities, offering a premium travel experience for passengers heading home or visiting the holy city.
The inaugural ceremony is expected to be a high-profile event, with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath likely to attend. This new service marks the second Vande Bharat Sleeper Express to be introduced in India, following the initial rollout earlier this year.
Luxury Amenities and Coach Configuration
Designed for maximum comfort, the train will consist of 16 air-conditioned coaches with a total passenger capacity of 823. The coach composition is meticulously planned to cater to different classes of travelers:
- First AC: 1 coach featuring exclusive amenities, including a hot-water shower cubicle.
- Second AC: 4 coaches for premium comfort.
- Third AC: 11 coaches to accommodate a larger number of passengers.
Passengers can look forward to high-end interiors, including premium leatherette berths and soundproofed cabins to ensure a peaceful journey. The train will also feature modern, touchless bio-vacuum toilets for enhanced hygiene.
Advanced Safety with Kavach 4.0
Safety remains a top priority for Indian Railways. The Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper will be equipped with the Kavach 4.0 Automatic Train Protection system. This cutting-edge technology is designed to prevent collisions and enhance the overall safety of the train during its journey.
Train Schedule and Route Details
The service will operate six days a week, providing a reliable connection between the national capital and the spiritual heart of Uttar Pradesh. The schedule is as follows:
Varanasi to New Delhi (Train No. 27421)
- Departure from Varanasi: 8:50 PM
- Arrival at New Delhi: 5:55 AM
New Delhi to Varanasi (Train No. 27422)
- Departure from New Delhi: 9:40 PM
- Arrival at Varanasi: 6:45 AM
While the primary route connects the two cities, intermediate halts are proposed at Prayagraj and Kanpur Central, with Aligarh Railway Station currently under consideration for a stop.
Booking Information and Estimated Fares
Travelers can prepare for their journey well in advance. Ticket bookings are anticipated to open on October 27, 2026, through the IRCTC portal, following the standard 60-day Advance Reservation Period. To ensure a seamless experience, the service will implement a strict 'Zero-Waitlist' and 'Zero-RAC' policy.
Regarding pricing, fares are estimated to have a base of approximately ₹2,400. This is calculated based on a rate range of ₹2.40 to ₹3.80 per kilometre, excluding GST.
Other New Services Launching on October 31
The launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper is part of a larger expansion of rail services in the region. On the same day, three other services are scheduled for inauguration:
- Banaras City–Prayagraj Rambagh MEMU
- Banaras City–Raja Talab MEMU
- Varanasi–Sabarmati Superfast Express