Vande Bharat Sleeper: Varanasi to New Delhi Service Launched
UP CM Yogi Adityanath flags off the first Vande Bharat Sleeper service between Varanasi and New Delhi for faster overnight travel.
Uttar Pradesh has reached a major milestone in rail connectivity with the official launch of its first Vande Bharat Sleeper train service, linking the holy city of Varanasi with New Delhi. The service was jointly inaugurated on October 31, 2026, by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Inaugural Run and Route Details
The maiden journey, designated as special service number 02527, departed from Varanasi at 4:15 PM. This inaugural run traveled through several key stations, including Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, Aligarh Railway Station, and Ghaziabad, before arriving in New Delhi at 2:00 AM on November 1.
Regular Commercial Schedule and Frequency
Following the inauguration, regular commercial operations will be carried out under the following schedule:
- Train 27421 (Varanasi to New Delhi): Departs Varanasi at 8:50 PM and reaches New Delhi at 6:10 AM. This service will not operate on Fridays.
- Train 27422 (New Delhi to Varanasi): Departs New Delhi at 9:40 PM and reaches Varanasi at 7:10 AM. This service will not operate on Saturdays.
The service is scheduled to operate six days a week, providing a reliable overnight link between the two major cities.
Faster Travel and Premium Amenities
The new Vande Bharat Sleeper service is designed to significantly cut down travel time. Compared to the existing Shiv Ganga Express, this service reduces journey times by 55 minutes when traveling from Varanasi and 35 minutes when traveling from New Delhi. The train is cleared for operational speeds of up to 160 kmph, ensuring a swift and efficient journey.
The 16-coach train offers a high passenger capacity of 823 and features three distinct classes of travel:
- First AC
- AC 2-Tier
- AC 3-Tier
To ensure a comfortable overnight experience, the train is equipped with a wide range of modern amenities, including 52 vacuum toilets, Wi-Fi connectivity, and USB charging ports at seats. Safety is prioritized through advanced fire detection systems and CCTV surveillance. Additionally, passengers traveling in First AC compartments will have access to hot-water showers.
Maintained by the Northern Railway at specialized facilities in Varanasi, this service marks a significant expansion of modern, high-speed rail infrastructure in the region.