Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: A new Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is set to connect Varanasi with New Delhi. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will flag off the new train from Varanasi on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
The new overnight train will make travel between eastern Uttar Pradesh and the national capital easier. It will also give passengers a more comfortable option for long-distance journeys. The Railway Ministry announced the launch on Friday.
“Indian Railways is set to expand its network of modern overnight rail services with the introduction of new Vande Bharat Sleeper Express trains connecting Varanasi with New Delhi. These services will further strengthen inter-city connectivity while offering passengers a modern, comfortable and efficient option for long-distance overnight travel,” a ministry’s press statement said.
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Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Route, Timings and Stoppages
The new train will connect several important cities in Uttar Pradesh before reaching New Delhi. Its route will cover Varanasi, Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, Aligarh and Ghaziabad. According to the Railway Ministry, the regular service will follow this schedule:
- Varanasi to New Delhi: The train will leave Varanasi at 8:50 PM and reach New Delhi at 6:10 AM the next morning.
- New Delhi to Varanasi: It will depart from New Delhi at 9:40 PM and arrive in Varanasi at 7:10 AM the following day.
The regular service will run six days a week. The Varanasi service won’t operate on Fridays, while the New Delhi service won’t run on Saturdays.
The first flag-off run on October 31 will operate as a special train. It will leave Varanasi at 4:15 PM and reach New Delhi at 2 AM on November 1. The date for regular commercial operations will be announced separately.
The ministry also said the new train will save 55 minutes on the Varanasi to Delhi journey and 35 minutes on the return journey compared with the Shiv Ganga Express.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Features and Facilities
The new train has been designed for overnight journeys. It will offer sleeper accommodation along with better safety systems and modern facilities. The train will have 16 coaches with First AC, Second AC and Third AC options. It can carry around 823 passengers.
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Some of its important facilities include CCTV cameras, fire detection systems, emergency alarm buttons and special berths and toilets for passengers with disabilities. First AC passengers will also get a hot water shower. Wi-Fi and USB charging ports will be available onboard.
The Railway Ministry said, “With enhanced onboard amenities, advanced safety features and thoughtfully designed sleeper accommodation, Indian Railways is working towards making long-distance overnight journeys more comfortable, reliable and passenger-centric,”
It also added “Designed specifically for long-distance journeys, the Vande Bharat Sleeper combines modern technology, improved safety systems and passenger-friendly amenities to enhance the overnight travel experience. Its design focuses on providing a comfortable environment for passengers travelling over extended distances, with particular attention to sleeping arrangements, cleanliness, safety, accessibility and convenience.”
The new service follows the introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains on the Howrah-Guwahati route in January 2026.
