Varanasi-New Delhi Sleeper Vande Bharat to Launch on Oct 31
The Varanasi-New Delhi Sleeper Vande Bharat Express launches on October 31, 2026. Check timings, fares, and luxury coach details for this new service.
The wait for a premium overnight journey between the spiritual capital and the national capital is nearly over. The inaugural Sleeper Vande Bharat Express service between Varanasi and New Delhi is scheduled to launch on October 31, 2026, offering a high-speed, luxurious travel experience for commuters.
Grand Inauguration and Schedule
The much-anticipated service is expected to be jointly flagged off by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The train will operate under train numbers 27421 (Varanasi to New Delhi) and 27422 (New Delhi to Varanasi).
The train is scheduled to depart from Varanasi at 4:30 PM, arriving in New Delhi at 1:30 AM. The service will run six days a week, with specific suspensions: there will be no service from Varanasi on Fridays and no service from New Delhi on Saturdays.
Route, Speed, and Key Stops
Covering a total distance of 760 km, the Sleeper Vande Bharat Express will maintain an operational speed of 130 kmph. The scheduled journey time is approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes. Passengers traveling on this route will have scheduled stoppages at several key locations, including:
- Prayagraj
- Kanpur Central
- Aligarh
- Ghaziabad
Coach Configuration and Estimated Fares
Developed by BEML and the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, this 16-coach train is designed to accommodate 823 passengers. The coach layout is optimized for comfort and capacity:
- First AC: 1 coach with 24 seats
- Second AC: 4 coaches with 188 seats
- Third AC: 11 coaches with 611 seats
The tentative base fares for the service, excluding GST, are set as follows:
- First AC: Rs 2,880.40
- Second AC: Rs 2,349.80
- Third AC: Rs 1,819.20
Note: Indian Railways has confirmed that this service will not offer RAC, waitlisted, or partially confirmed tickets.
Advanced Technology and Passenger Amenities
The Sleeper Vande Bharat is equipped with cutting-edge features to ensure a safe and modern journey. It includes the Kavach safety system, automatic doors, advanced suspension, and an emergency talk-back system. Maintenance for the fleet will be managed by the Northern Railway at the Varanasi depot.
To enhance the passenger experience, the train features:
- CCTV cameras and fire safety systems
- Infotainment screens and reading lights
- Modern bio-toilets
- Shower facilities (exclusively in the First AC coach)
Additional MEMU Services Inaugurated
In addition to the Vande Bharat launch, two new MEMU services will also be inaugurated on the same day to boost regional connectivity. These include a service connecting Varanasi with Prayagraj Rambagh and another connecting Varanasi City with Raja Talab.