Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper & New MEMU Services Launched!
New Vande Bharat Sleeper connects Varanasi to New Delhi, alongside new MEMU services and major Bullet Train corridor updates.
The rail connectivity of Varanasi has received a massive upgrade with the introduction of premium long-distance services and enhanced local transport. On October 31, 2026, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath officially flagged off the highly anticipated Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper, marking a new era of comfort for travelers heading to the national capital.
Premium Travel: Varanasi to New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper
While the flag-off took place in late October, the Vande Bharat Sleeper (Train numbers 27421/27422) is set to begin its regular commercial operations on November 2, 2026. This service is specifically designed to provide a seamless overnight journey between Varanasi and New Delhi.
The train features a modern 16-coach configuration, offering a total capacity for 823 passengers. To cater to different traveler needs, the coaches are divided as follows:
- 1 First AC coach for premium luxury.
- 4 AC 2-Tier coaches for enhanced comfort.
- 11 AC 3-Tier coaches for efficient travel.
Train Schedule and Key Stops
Travelers planning their journey should note the following schedule to avoid any inconvenience:
- Varanasi to New Delhi (27421): Departs Varanasi at 20:50 and arrives in New Delhi at 06:10 the next morning. Note: There is no service on Fridays.
- New Delhi to Varanasi (27422): Departs New Delhi at 21:40 and arrives in Varanasi at 07:10 the next morning. Note: There is no service on Saturdays.
During its run, the train will provide scheduled stops at Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, Aligarh, and Ghaziabad.
Affordable Local Commuting: New MEMU Services
Beyond long-distance luxury, the railway ministry has focused on the daily needs of local commuters by inaugurating new Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) services. These services aim to bridge the gap between Varanasi and its surrounding areas.
New routes include connectivity from Varanasi City to Rajatalab and from Prayagraj Rambagh to Varanasi. In an effort to make travel affordable for students and the youth, special monthly ticket fares have been introduced:
- Varanasi to Rajatalab: Monthly tickets for youth are fixed at just ₹95.
- Prayagraj to Varanasi: Monthly student tickets are priced at ₹220.
The Future of Rail: Bullet Trains and Kashi Station Upgrades
The expansion doesn't stop at new trains. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared significant news regarding the future of high-speed rail in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Northern Corridor of the bullet train network.
This massive project is intended to link major cities including Delhi, Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Ayodhya. The vision extends even further, with planned extensions to reach Varanasi, Patna, and Guwahati, creating a high-speed artery across Northern and Eastern India.
Simultaneously, the Kashi Railway Station is undergoing a massive transformation to serve as a primary transport hub for the North and North East regions. Additionally, work is progressing on the 'Namo Setu', an ambitious project that will function as a combined road and rail bridge, further integrating the region's infrastructure.