Vande Bharat Sleeper Varanasi to New Delhi Launch Oct 31
Indian Railways to launch Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper on Oct 31, 2026, featuring luxury amenities and KAVACH safety technology.
Indian Railways is ready to transform overnight travel with the upcoming launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Varanasi to New Delhi service. Scheduled for its inaugural run on October 31, 2026, this premium overnight service is set to provide a high-speed, luxurious connection between the spiritual capital of Varanasi and New Delhi.
Inauguration and Official Approval
The Railway Board has officially issued a notification approving the operation of the new service under train numbers 27421 and 27422. The inaugural journey is expected to be flagged off by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
The train will operate six days a week, with specific schedule exceptions to note:
- There will be no departures from New Delhi on Fridays.
- There will be no departures from Varanasi on Saturdays.
Route, Timings, and Key Stops
The service is designed to complete the journey in approximately 9.2 to 9.5 hours, making it a highly efficient overnight option for travelers. The train will make scheduled stops at Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, Aligarh, and Ghaziabad.
Train 27421: Varanasi to New Delhi
- Departure from Varanasi: 8:50 PM
- Arrival at New Delhi: Between 5:55 AM and 6:10 AM
Train 27422: New Delhi to Varanasi
- Departure from New Delhi: 9:40 PM
- Arrival at Varanasi: Between 6:45 AM and 7:10 AM
Advanced Technology and Passenger Capacity
The 16-coach rake has been developed by BEML using cutting-edge technology from the Integral Coach Factory. The train is built to accommodate 823 passengers with a tiered class system:
- First AC: 24 berths
- Second AC: 188 berths
- Third AC: 611 berths
To ensure a premium experience, the Railways will enforce a strict 'Zero-Waitlist' and 'Zero-RAC' policy. Passengers can look forward to several high-end features, including:
- Ergonomically designed cushioned berths for restful sleep.
- Modern toilets equipped with advanced disinfection technology.
- Exclusive hot shower facilities for passengers traveling in First AC.
- Energy-efficient regenerative braking systems.
- The KAVACH anti-collision system to ensure maximum track safety.
Booking Information
Ticket bookings will follow standard IRCTC procedures with a 60-day Advance Reservation Period. For passengers requiring last-minute travel, Tatkal bookings for the Second AC and Third AC classes will open at 10:00 AM exactly one day prior to the scheduled departure.