Vande Bharat Sleeper: New Varanasi-Delhi & Bengaluru-Mumbai Routes!
Indian Railways launches Vande Bharat Sleeper services for Varanasi-New Delhi and Bengaluru-Mumbai routes for enhanced overnight comfort.
Indian Railways has officially entered a new era of overnight travel with the launch of its highly anticipated Vande Bharat Sleeper services. Designed to provide a premium and efficient alternative to existing long-distance trains, these new services aim to revolutionize how passengers travel across the country with modern amenities and superior comfort.
Varanasi to New Delhi: A Premium Overnight Journey
On October 31, 2026, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath flagged off the inaugural Varanasi–New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper service. This new route is set to provide seamless connectivity between the spiritual hub of Varanasi and the national capital.
The train will make scheduled halts at several key stations, including Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, Aligarh, and Ghaziabad. To ensure a convenient schedule for commuters, the timings have been set as follows:
- Varanasi to New Delhi: Departs at 20:50 and arrives at 06:10 the following morning.
- New Delhi to Varanasi: Departs at 21:40 and arrives at 07:10 the following morning.
The 16-coach train is built to accommodate 823 passengers, offering a variety of travel options across AC First, AC Second, and AC Third classes.
Bengaluru to Mumbai: Connecting South and West India
Following the successful launch in Uttar Pradesh, Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the Bengaluru–Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Express on November 1, 2026. This service will depart from the Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) in Bengaluru and will operate six days a week.
The route is designed to serve several important stops, including:
- Anantapur
- Guntakal
- Raichur
- Yadgir
- Kalaburagi
- Solapur
- Pune
- Kalyan
Passengers can look forward to the commencement of commercial operations for the Mumbai–Bengaluru direction on November 2, 2026, while the Bengaluru–Mumbai direction will begin services on November 3, 2026.
Advanced Design and Passenger Safety
The new Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are not just about speed; they are engineered for operational excellence. The design places a heavy emphasis on passenger ergonomics to ensure a restful night's sleep. Furthermore, the trains are equipped with modern safety systems and specialized facilities for train crew and locomotive staff to maintain high standards of service and efficiency throughout the journey.