Varanasi to New Delhi Sleeper Vande Bharat Express Launched!
UP gets its first Sleeper Vande Bharat Express connecting Varanasi and New Delhi. Check timings, stops, and fares here.
Uttar Pradesh has entered a new era of luxury rail travel. The state's very first Sleeper Vande Bharat Express, connecting the holy city of Varanasi to the national capital, New Delhi, was officially flagged off on October 31, 2026.
Grand Inauguration at Banaras Station
The historic launch took place at the Banaras railway station, where Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw performed the flagging-off ceremony. The inaugural special service, designated as train number 02527, departed Varanasi at 4:30 PM and arrived in New Delhi at 1:30 AM.
The first journey was a memorable one for many, as the passengers included railway officials, employees, and their families. Additionally, a group of school students were given the opportunity to experience the new service on their journey to Prayagraj and Kanpur.
Advanced Features and Coach Configuration
This Sleeper Vande Bharat is designed for both comfort and high-speed efficiency. While the train is engineered to reach a top speed of 160 km/h, it will initially operate at a maximum speed of 130 km/h.
Capacity and Luxury Classes
The 16-coach train is built to accommodate a total of 823 passengers. The premium coach configuration includes:
- One First AC coach
- Four Second AC coaches
- Eleven Third AC coaches
Safety First: Cutting-Edge Technology
Passenger safety is a core component of this new service. The train is equipped with several advanced safety systems to ensure a secure journey, including:
- Fire detection and alarm units installed in every coach
- Fire-resistant doors
- Continuous CCTV surveillance
- Specialized emergency exit provisions
Regular Commercial Schedule and Fares
Following the inaugural run, the service will transition to regular commercial operations. Travelers can rely on the following schedule:
- Train 27421: Departs Varanasi at 8:50 PM and arrives in New Delhi at 5:55 AM.
- Train 27422: Departs New Delhi at 9:40 PM and arrives in Varanasi at 6:45 AM.
The train will make scheduled stops at Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, Aligarh, and Ghaziabad. Fares for this premium Sleeper Vande Bharat service commence at ₹1,819.
This rollout marks India's second Sleeper Vande Bharat service, following the initial launch on the Howrah-Guwahati corridor in January 2026.
Additional Railway Upgrades in UP
The event was not limited to the Vande Bharat Express. To bolster local connectivity, two new MEMU trains were also inaugurated during the ceremony:
- Varanasi to Prayagraj Rambagh
- Varanasi City to Raja Talab