Varanasi Gets Vande Bharat Sleeper & 10 New MEMU Services
Indian Railways launches 10 new MEMU services in Varanasi and the premium Vande Bharat Sleeper Express to New Delhi.
In a massive boost to rail connectivity in Uttar Pradesh, Indian Railways has unveiled a series of transformative upgrades for the holy city of Varanasi. From the highly anticipated Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper Express to a fleet of 10 new MEMU services, the region is set to witness a revolution in passenger transit for pilgrims, students, and daily commuters.
Vande Bharat Sleeper: A New Era of Luxury Travel
The highlight of this expansion is the much-awaited Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper Express. Flagged off on October 31, 2026, by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, this premium service is designed to redefine long-distance travel between the spiritual capital and the national capital.
The train will commence its commercial operations on November 2, 2026, running six days a week. It offers a seamless overnight journey, allowing travelers to rest in comfort while moving between the two major cities.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Schedule and Fares
- Varanasi to New Delhi: Departs at 8:50 PM; Arrives at 6:10 AM.
- New Delhi to Varanasi: Departs at 9:40 PM; Arrives at 7:10 AM.
Passengers can choose from three tiers of comfort with the following fare structure:
- First AC: ₹3,030
- Second AC: ₹2,470
- Third AC: ₹1,915
Boosting Local Transit: 10 New MEMU Services
While the Vande Bharat caters to long-distance travelers, Indian Railways is also focusing heavily on local connectivity through the launch of 10 new Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) services. These services are strategically designed to improve transit for traders and daily commuters, connecting vital hubs such as Banaras City, Banaras Cantt, Banaras Station, and Rajatalab.
Furthermore, a dedicated daily MEMU service has been introduced between Varanasi and Prayagraj. This route will provide much-needed connectivity for those traveling between these two major cities, with scheduled stops at:
- Prayagraj Rambagh
- Jhusi
- Handia Khas
- Gyanpur Road
- Madhosingh
High-Speed Future: Bullet Train 'North Corridor' Approved
The expansion doesn't stop at conventional and semi-high-speed rail. Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially approved the 'North Corridor' of the bullet train project. This ambitious high-speed network aims to drastically reduce regional travel times across Northern India.
The planned corridor is set to connect a string of major cities, including:
- Delhi and Agra
- Kanpur and Lucknow
- Ayodhya and Varanasi
- Prayagraj and Patna
- Siliguri and Guwahati