Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Flagged Off
PM Modi flags off the Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper train, offering faster overnight travel and premium amenities.
In a landmark moment for Indian rail travel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially flagged off the Varanasi–New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper train on October 31, 2026. Accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Prime Minister inaugurated what is set to become the first overnight semi-high-speed rail service in Uttar Pradesh.
A New Era of Overnight Luxury
This service marks the second Vande Bharat Sleeper train in India, following the formal approval by the Railway Board on October 27, 2026. The 16-coach train, manufactured by BEML Ltd in Bangalore, is designed to cater to 823 passengers across First AC, Second AC, and Third AC classes.
Operated by the Northern Railway, the service will run six days a week, providing a reliable and high-speed link between the spiritual capital and the national capital.
Timings and Faster Travel
The new service is engineered to save passengers significant time, reducing travel duration by approximately 55 minutes compared to the Shiv Ganga Express. The schedule is as follows:
- Train 27421: Departs Varanasi at 8:50 pm and arrives in New Delhi at 6:10 am the following day.
- Train 27422: Departs New Delhi at 9:40 pm and reaches Varanasi at 7:10 am.
While the train has a maximum operating speed of 130 km/h, its engineering is highly advanced; it has been tested at speeds of up to 180 km/h and possesses a maximum design speed of 200 km/h.
Premium Amenities for a World-Class Journey
To ensure a comfortable overnight experience, the Vande Bharat Sleeper is equipped with several modern features:
- High-speed Wi-Fi and USB charging ports for all passengers.
- 52 vacuum toilets to maintain high hygiene standards.
- Advanced fire detection systems for enhanced safety.
- Hot-water showers available specifically in the First AC coaches.
Prime Minister Modi hailed the launch as a historic day, noting that the train connects faith with opportunity and tradition with modernity.
Boosting Regional Rail Connectivity
In addition to the flagship sleeper service, the Railway Board has sanctioned several improvements to regional transport. This includes eight daily MEMU services between Varanasi City and Raja Talab. Furthermore, two new MEMU services have been introduced to connect Varanasi-Rajatalab and Banaras-Prayagraj Rambag, significantly bolstering connectivity for local commuters.