Vande Bharat Sleeper: Massive Rush for New Delhi-Varanasi!
The New Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper sees massive bookings during Chhath Puja, offering relief to travelers seeking confirmed berths.
The newly introduced Vande Bharat Sleeper Express connecting New Delhi and Varanasi has witnessed an overwhelming surge in passenger bookings during the Chhath Puja festival. For many travelers, this premium service has become a vital option, providing much-needed relief for those who previously struggled to secure confirmed seats on other available trains during this peak festive season.
A Festive Boost for Commuters
The service, which officially commenced commercial operations on November 2, 2026, follows a grand flag-off on October 31 by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. With the Chhath Puja festivities in full swing, the demand for comfortable overnight travel between the national capital and the holy city of Varanasi has skyrocketed.
Route, Timings, and Key Stops
To ensure efficient management, the Vande Bharat Sleeper operates six days a week with specific schedule exceptions:
- Train No. 27421 (Varanasi to New Delhi): This route does not operate on Fridays. It departs Varanasi at 8:50 PM and arrives in New Delhi at 6:10 AM.
- Train No. 27422 (New Delhi to Varanasi): This route does not operate on Saturdays. It departs New Delhi at 9:40 PM and reaches Varanasi at 7:10 AM.
The train provides seamless connectivity with scheduled stops at Ghaziabad, Aligarh, Kanpur Central, and Prayagraj Junction.
Premium Comfort and Booking Information
Designed for long-distance convenience, the 16-coach train offers various accommodation classes to suit different traveler preferences, including:
- First AC (1A)
- Second AC (2A)
- Third AC (3A)
With a total capacity of approximately 823 berths, the service is equipped to handle significant passenger volumes. Travelers can book their tickets through the IRCTC website, the Rail Connect and RailOne mobile applications, or at any Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters.
Due to the intense festive rush and the premium nature of this service, passengers are strongly advised to verify real-time availability through official channels, as many services continue to report heavy waitlists.