Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper Launched by Yogi & Vaishnaw
CM Yogi Adityanath and Ashwini Vaishnaw flag off the Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper Express for faster overnight travel.
In a major boost to rail connectivity, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw officially flagged off the Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper Express today, October 31, 2026. This new service promises to revolutionize overnight travel between the holy city of Varanasi and the national capital.
Premium Overnight Comfort
The newly introduced Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is a state-of-the-art 16-coach, fully air-conditioned train designed to provide a luxurious experience. The train features a total of 823 berths, categorized as follows:
- First AC: 24 berths
- AC 2-Tier: 188 berths
- AC 3-Tier: 611 berths
Operating six days a week, the train is engineered for a maximum speed of 180 kmph, with an operational speed maintained at 160 kmph.
Faster Route and Connectivity
Designed to significantly reduce travel time compared to the existing Shiv Ganga Express, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will connect Varanasi to New Delhi via several key stations, including:
- Prayagraj
- Kanpur Central
- Aligarh
- Ghaziabad
The train will also make a technical halt at Chipiyana Buzurg. To ensure a seamless experience, the service follows strict policies regarding confirmed travel, aiming to avoid Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) and waitlisting issues for passengers.
Advanced Safety and Modern Technology
Safety remains a top priority for this new service. The train is equipped with the cutting-edge KAVACH safety system, ensuring high-speed security. Additionally, passengers will benefit from:
- CCTV surveillance for enhanced security
- Advanced fire-suppression technology
- Regenerative braking systems for efficiency
Booking and Reservation Details
Travelers can book their journey following a 60-day Advance Reservation Period. For those requiring last-minute travel, Tatkal quotas are available for both 2A and 3A classes.
Expanded Local MEMU Services
Alongside the flagship Vande Bharat launch, the Ministry of Railways has announced several improvements to local connectivity:
New Varanasi City to Raja Talab MEMU
Four pairs of daily MEMU services will now operate between Varanasi City and Raja Talab. This service will cover key stations such as Varanasi Junction, Banaras, Bhulanpur, and Hardattpur.
Extension of Banaras–Prayagraj Route
The existing MEMU service (65111/65112), which previously connected Banaras and Prayagraj Rambag, has been extended to Prayagraj Junction. This extension will serve intermediate stations including Madho Singh, Gyanpur Road, Handia Khas, and Jhusi.