Varanasi-New Delhi Sleeper Vande Bharat Express to Launch!
Indian Railways to launch the Varanasi-New Delhi Sleeper Vande Bharat Express in October 2026. Check the proposed schedule and coach details here.
Indian Railways is gearing up to transform overnight travel between the spiritual hub of Varanasi and the national capital, New Delhi. A brand-new Sleeper Vande Bharat Express service is being prepared to connect these two major cities, offering a premium and comfortable journey for passengers.
Tentative Launch and Booking Dates
While official confirmation from the Railway Board regarding the final schedule and fare structure is still awaited, reports indicate that the service is expected to begin operations around October 31, 2026. Travelers looking to secure their seats might see ticket bookings open as early as October 27, 2026. The inaugural ceremony is anticipated to be a high-profile event, potentially presided over by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Coach Configuration and Capacity
Designed specifically for overnight convenience, this new Vande Bharat service will feature a 16-coach configuration. The train is engineered to carry a total of 823 passengers, ensuring a balance between high capacity and premium comfort. The coach breakdown is planned as follows:
- First AC: 1 coach
- AC 2-Tier: 4 coaches
- AC 3-Tier: 11 coaches
Proposed Timetable and Route Details
The service is expected to operate six days a week, with Saturdays being the only day the train will not run. According to the proposed schedule, the train will follow these timings:
Varanasi to New Delhi (Train Number 27421)
This overnight journey is designed to get passengers to the capital early in the morning:
- Departure from Varanasi: 8:50 PM
- Arrival at Prayagraj Junction: 10:35 PM (Departure at 10:40 PM)
- Arrival at Kanpur Central: 12:40 AM
- Arrival at New Delhi: 5:55 AM
New Delhi to Varanasi (Train Number 27422)
The return journey will facilitate travelers heading back to the holy city:
- Departure from New Delhi: 9:40 PM
- Arrival at Prayagraj Junction: 4:45 AM (Departure at 4:50 AM)
- Arrival at Varanasi: 6:45 AM
Speed and Maintenance
Under the Mission Raftaar initiative, the train is expected to achieve impressive speeds ranging from 130 kmph to 160 kmph, depending on track conditions and infrastructure progress. Maintenance for this prestigious service will be managed by the Northern Railway, with essential preparations currently underway at major transit hubs including Prayagraj Junction, Kanpur Central, and Aligarh Junction.