Vande Bharat Sleeper: New Varanasi-Delhi & Bengaluru-Mumbai Trains!
Indian Railways to launch two new Vande Bharat Sleeper Express trains on Varanasi-Delhi and Bengaluru-Mumbai routes in late 2026.
Indian Railways is set to revolutionize overnight travel with the introduction of two premium Vande Bharat Sleeper Express trains. Scheduled to launch in late October and early November 2026, these new services aim to provide high-speed, ultra-comfortable connectivity across major Indian corridors.
Varanasi to New Delhi: High-Speed Overnight Link
The first of these new services will connect Varanasi and New Delhi, with the inaugural run expected on October 31, 2026. High-profile dignitaries, including Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, are slated to preside over the launch ceremony.
This train is designed to be a high-speed link between these two major cities. Key operational details include:
- Departure from Varanasi: 8:50 PM
- Arrival at New Delhi: 5:55 AM (the following day)
- Frequency: The service will operate six days a week
Bengaluru to Mumbai: Cutting Travel Time by 6 Hours
On November 1, 2026, coinciding with the Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations, a second Vande Bharat Sleeper service will commence operations. This route will connect SMVT Bengaluru and CSMT Mumbai, offering a significantly faster alternative to existing services like the Udyan Express.
The journey is expected to take approximately 16 hours, effectively slashing travel time by about six hours compared to current options. The 16-coach train will feature a sophisticated mix of premium accommodations, including:
- AC First Class cabins
- AC Two-Tier coaches
- AC Three-Tier coaches
With a total capacity of roughly 823 berths, the train promises a superior travel experience for long-distance passengers.
Strict Ticketing and Cancellation Rules
To maintain high service standards, the Ministry of Railways has implemented stringent operational guidelines for these premium services. Passengers should take note of the following policies:
No RAC or Waiting Lists
In a move to ensure a seamless experience for confirmed travelers, these services will only issue confirmed tickets. There will be no provision for Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) or waiting lists. Furthermore, there will be no VIP or emergency quotas, and senior officials are restricted from using travel passes on these trains.
Strict Cancellation Policy
The cancellation rules are notably firm to prevent last-minute seat losses:
- Immediate Cancellation: A 25% deduction will be applied.
- 72 to 8 hours before departure: A 50% deduction will be applied.
- Within 8 hours of departure: No refund will be provided for any cancellations.
Additionally, a minimum chargeable distance of 400 kilometers has been established for these services.
Manufacturing and Development
The development of these advanced trainsets is a collaborative effort involving the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai and BEML, which rolled out the initial prototypes. For future fleet expansions, additional manufacturing contracts have been awarded to Kinet Railway Solutions Ltd and a consortium led by Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd and BHEL.