Prayagraj to Flag Off North India’s First Sleeper Vande Bharat!
Prayagraj to host the launch of North India's first Sleeper Vande Bharat Express and new MEMU services on October 31, 2026.
Prayagraj is all set to witness a landmark moment in Indian Railways history. On Saturday, October 31, 2026, the city will host the official launch of North India’s very first Sleeper Vande Bharat Express, marking a significant leap in luxury and overnight rail travel for the region.
A Grand Inauguration at Prayagraj Junction
The historic event will be led by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who will jointly flag off the new services. The ceremony at Prayagraj Junction is expected to be a high-profile gathering, attended by Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya, Cabinet Minister Nand Gopal Gupta 'Nandi', along with local MPs, MLAs, and the Mayor.
Varanasi-New Delhi Sleeper Vande Bharat: Speed and Luxury
The star of the show is the new Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper Express (Train No. 27421/27422). Specifically designed for comfortable overnight journeys, this train is built to bridge the gap between these two major cities with unprecedented speed and efficiency.
Key details of the new service include:
- Maximum Speed: Capable of reaching up to 180 km/h.
- Travel Time: Covers the 760 km distance in approximately 9.5 hours.
- Frequency: Operates six days a week (excluding Fridays for the Delhi-bound service and Saturdays for the Varanasi-bound service).
- Capacity: A 16-coach rake capable of carrying 823 passengers.
Premium Onboard Amenities
To ensure a world-class travel experience, the Sleeper Vande Bharat features a diverse coach configuration, including one First AC, four Second AC, and eleven Third AC coaches. Passengers can look forward to enhanced sleeper berths, individual infotainment screens, and modern bio-toilets. Notably, the First AC coaches will be equipped with bathing facilities. Safety is also a top priority, with the installation of CCTV cameras, automatic sensor-based doors, and advanced fire safety alarms.
Boosting Regional Connectivity with New MEMU Services
In addition to the Vande Bharat, the inauguration will introduce the Prayagraj Rambagh-Banaras MEMU train (Train No. 65123/65124). This service aims to drastically reduce travel time between the two cities to just 2.5 hours.
The MEMU service will provide essential connectivity with key stoppages at:
- Jhansi
- Handia Khas
- Gyanpur Road
These modern MEMU rakes are equipped with advanced safety and comfort features, including panic buttons, CCTV cameras, bio-toilets, and air-conditioned driver cabs. Furthermore, existing MEMU services are being extended to Auchihar, expanding the total capacity of the new MEMU network—including the Varanasi City-Raja Talab section—to 2,214 passengers.