Vande Bharat Sleeper: New Delhi-Varanasi & Mumbai-Bengaluru Routes
Indian Railways to launch Vande Bharat Sleeper trains on Delhi-Varanasi and Mumbai-Bengaluru routes in 2026, offering faster travel and premium comfort.
Indian Railways is set to revolutionize overnight travel with the introduction of two premium Vande Bharat Sleeper services. These new train sets are designed to slash travel times on major corridors, providing a high-tech, faster alternative to the traditional locomotive-hauled Rajdhani Express.
Delhi-Varanasi: A Faster Overnight Journey
The first major service will connect Delhi and Varanasi, with a tentative inaugural run scheduled for October 31, 2026. Expected to be flagged off by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, regular operations are slated to begin on November 1, 2026.
This service will include halts at Prayagraj and Kanpur, covering the distance in approximately 9.2 hours. This marks a significant improvement over the 12 hours currently required by the Rajdhani Express. The train will operate six days a week, excluding Saturdays.
Mumbai-Bengaluru: Connecting the West and South
Simultaneously, a second Vande Bharat Sleeper will launch on November 1, 2026, connecting Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) to Bengaluru’s Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT). Announced by Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna, this service will travel 1,118 km in about 16 hours, potentially saving passengers up to eight hours of travel time.
The route will pass through several key stations, including:
- Kalaburagi
- Solapur
- Pune
- Kalyan
Current reports indicate that the service will not depart Bengaluru on Mondays, and the Mumbai-bound service may skip Tuesdays, though these schedules are pending final confirmation.
Technological Leap and Premium Amenities
Developed by BEML and the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), these self-propelled Vande Bharat units offer faster acceleration and braking compared to traditional trains. Unlike the Rajdhani Express, which averages 80-90 km/h, these units are built for superior speed and efficiency.
Each 16-coach trainset is designed to offer 823 berths across three distinct classes:
- AC 3-Tier: 11 coaches (611 berths)
- AC 2-Tier: 4 coaches (188 berths)
- AC First Class: 1 coach (24 berths)
To ensure a world-class experience, the trains will feature automatic doors, sealed gangways, Wi-Fi-enabled infotainment, and the advanced Kavach safety system.
Booking, Fares, and "Zero-Waitlist" Policy
Indian Railways is introducing a strict "Zero-Waitlist" and "Zero-RAC" policy for these services, meaning every passenger on board will have a confirmed berth. Tickets will be available via IRCTC with a 60-day Advance Reservation Period.
The premium fare structure is set as follows (plus GST):
- AC 3-Tier: ₹2.40 per km
- AC 2-Tier: ₹3.10 per km
- AC First Class: ₹3.80 per km
Passengers also have the flexibility to opt out of the default premium multi-course catering service during the booking process to receive a reduced fare.