Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper Launch Today
CM Yogi Adityanath and Ashwini Vaishnaw to launch UP's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train connecting Varanasi and New Delhi.

A new era of luxury travel begins in Uttar Pradesh as Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw prepare to flag off the state's very first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. This high-speed overnight service, connecting Varanasi and New Delhi, marks a significant milestone in the state's rail infrastructure development.
Unmatched Comfort and Capacity
The new 16-coach, fully air-conditioned rake is designed to provide a premium experience for long-distance travelers. Offering a total of 823 berths, the train caters to various passenger needs with the following configurations:
- First AC: 24 berths
- AC 2-Tier: 188 berths
- AC 3-Tier: 611 berths
To ensure maximum passenger comfort and a seamless travel experience, the railway administration has implemented a strict 'Zero-Waitlist' and 'Zero-RAC' policy for this service.
High Speed and Advanced Safety
Engineered for performance, the Vande Bharat Sleeper is designed for a maximum operational speed of 160 kmph. Safety is integrated into the very core of the train through several advanced technologies:
- KAVACH Technology: The indigenous automatic train protection system.
- Fire-Suppression Systems: Advanced systems to mitigate fire risks.
- Crashworthiness Standards: Structural compliance with international EN 15227 standards.
Timings and Weekly Schedule
The service will operate six days a week, providing a reliable overnight connection between the two major cities. The scheduled timings are as follows:
- Varanasi to New Delhi: Departure from Varanasi at 8:50 PM, arriving in New Delhi at 6:10 AM.
- New Delhi to Varanasi: Departure from New Delhi at 9:40 PM, arriving in Varanasi at 7:10 AM.
Boosting Regional Connectivity
In addition to the flagship sleeper service, the inauguration will also feature two other key projects aimed at enhancing regional connectivity in Uttar Pradesh:
- New MEMU Services: The introduction of four pairs of daily MEMU trains (eight services in total) between Varanasi City and Raja Talab.
- MEMU Extension: The extension of the existing Banaras-Prayagraj Rambag MEMU service to Prayagraj Junction.