Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper to Launch Oct 31!
UP CM Yogi Adityanath to flag off the Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper Express on October 31, 2026, offering faster and luxurious travel.
Travel between the spiritual capital of India and the national capital is about to get a massive luxury upgrade. The much-anticipated Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is scheduled to begin its journey on October 31, 2026. In a high-profile ceremony, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will flag off this landmark service.
This launch is a significant milestone for the region, marking the first Vande Bharat Sleeper service in Uttar Pradesh and only the second of its kind in the entire country, following the Howrah-Guwahati corridor.
Inaugural Run and Regular Schedule Details
To mark the commencement of this premium service, a special inaugural run has been organized. Details for the first trip and the subsequent regular schedule are as follows:
The Inaugural Journey (Train No. 02527)
- Departure from Varanasi: 4:15 PM on October 31, 2026.
- Arrival at New Delhi: 2:00 AM on November 1, 2026.
Regular Daily Operations
Once the inaugural run is complete, the service will transition to its regular timetable, operating six days a week.
- Train No. 27421 (Varanasi to New Delhi): Departs Varanasi at 8:50 PM and arrives in New Delhi at 6:10 AM. This train will make scheduled stops at Prayagraj Junction, Kanpur Central, Aligarh, and Ghaziabad.
- Train No. 27422 (New Delhi to Varanasi): Departs New Delhi at 9:40 PM and arrives in Varanasi at 7:10 AM.
Note: The service will not depart from Varanasi on Fridays and will not depart from New Delhi on Saturdays.
World-Class Comfort and High-Speed Technology
Manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Perambur, Chennai, this 16-coach fully air-conditioned train is designed to provide a superior travel experience. The train boasts a total of 823 berths, categorized to suit different passenger preferences:
- First AC: 24 berths
- AC 2-Tier: 188 berths
- AC 3-Tier: 611 berths
Safety and speed are at the core of this new service. The train is equipped with the indigenous Kavach train protection system and is cleared to operate at speeds of up to 160 kmph. For passengers looking to save time, this new service is a game-changer; it is expected to reduce travel time by 55 minutes from Varanasi to New Delhi and by 35 minutes on the return journey compared to the existing Shiv Ganga Express.
Boosting Regional Connectivity
In addition to the prestigious Vande Bharat Sleeper service, the Railway Board has also taken steps to improve local transit. Approval has been granted for eight daily MEMU services between Varanasi City and Raja Talab, ensuring that regional connectivity in the area receives a much-needed boost alongside the high-speed interstate service.