Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper & New Express Launch
Indian Railways to launch the Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper and a new Kanpur-Anand Vihar Express on October 31, 2026.
Indian Railways is set to significantly enhance overnight connectivity between Uttar Pradesh and the national capital. The Railway Board has officially approved the introduction of two major train services, headlined by the highly anticipated Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper, scheduled to begin operations on October 31, 2026.
Premium Overnight Travel: Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper
The Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper (27421/27422) will be the nation's second Vande Bharat train specifically designed for overnight journeys. This premium service is expected to be inaugurated by Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Designed to offer a luxurious and efficient travel experience, the train will operate six days a week, excluding Saturdays. The service will feature 16 LHB AC coaches, providing a total capacity for approximately 823 passengers. The coach composition includes:
- One First AC coach
- Four Second AC coaches
- Eleven Third AC coaches
Vande Bharat Sleeper Schedule and Route
The train will provide a seamless overnight connection with the following schedule:
- Train 27421: Departs Varanasi at 8:50 PM, with scheduled stops at Prayagraj Junction and Kanpur Central, arriving in New Delhi at 5:55 AM.
- Train 27422: Departs New Delhi at 9:40 PM, arriving in Varanasi at 6:45 AM.
Note: Catering services on this route will be available on an optional basis.
New Daily Express: Kanpur Central to Anand Vihar Terminal
In addition to the Vande Bharat service, the Railway Board has introduced a new daily express service (14153/14154) to improve connectivity between Kanpur Central and Anand Vihar Terminal. Commencing on October 31, 2026, this train will facilitate easier travel for commuters across several key stations.
The express service will make commercial stops at the following locations:
- Phaphund
- Etawah
- Tundla
- Hathras
- Aligarh
- Khurja
- Dadri
- Ghaziabad
The journey is expected to take approximately 8 hours and 10 minutes from Kanpur, with a similar travel time of roughly 8 hours for the return journey.
Enhanced Passenger Safety: Optional Travel Insurance
Following a Supreme Court order dated October 6, 2026, the Railway Board has implemented a new provision to enhance passenger security. Effective from October 27, 2026, passengers booking tickets at reservation counters can opt for optional travel insurance.
For a nominal premium of just 45 paise, passengers can secure coverage of up to 10 lakh rupees in the unfortunate event of death or permanent disability resulting from a rail accident.