Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper & 2 New MEMU Trains
CM Yogi Adityanath and Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launch the Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper and two new MEMU services.
In a massive boost to festive travel, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw officially inaugurated three new train services in Varanasi on October 31, 2026. The introduction of the Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper and two new MEMU services is set to transform connectivity for both long-distance travelers and local commuters ahead of the Diwali and Chhath Puja festivals.
The First Vande Bharat Sleeper in Uttar Pradesh
The star attraction of this launch is the Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper. This marks a historic milestone as it is the first Vande Bharat Sleeper service in Uttar Pradesh and only the second in the entire country. Designed to offer premium overnight travel, the service is expected to reduce the travel time between the two cities by approximately 55 minutes.
Regular operations for this high-speed service will commence on November 2, 2026. The train will feature 16 coaches with a total passenger capacity of 823.
Key Schedule and Route Details:
- Departure from Varanasi: 8:50 PM, arriving in New Delhi at 6:10 AM.
- Departure from New Delhi: 9:40 PM, arriving in Varanasi at 7:10 AM.
- Major Stops: Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, Aligarh, and Ghaziabad.
- Service Frequency: The train will operate six days a week, excluding Fridays from Varanasi and Saturdays from New Delhi.
Affordable MEMU Services for Daily Commuters
To support local movement, two new MEMU trains also commenced daily operations on November 1, 2026. These services are specifically aimed at providing budget-friendly transit for students, traders, and daily commuters in the region.
- Banaras to Prayagraj Rambag: Monthly Season Tickets (MST) are priced at 220 rupees.
- Varanasi City to Rajatalab: Monthly Season Tickets (MST) are priced at 95 rupees.
A Vision for Modernized Railways
During the inauguration, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remarked on the significant transformation of the railway sector. He noted that the government's focus has shifted from making promises to delivering continuous infrastructure development, electrification, and the modernization of railway stations.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian Railways is prioritizing passenger comfort, safety, and modernization. These efforts are crucial to addressing the massive surge in travel demand, particularly during the busy festive season.