The long-awaited journey between New Delhi and Varanasi is set to become a reality: the 'Vande Bharat Sleeper' train will start operating on these routes from October 31. The grand opening ceremony will be jointly conducted by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. This fully air-conditioned rake will accommodate 823 passengers across 16 coaches.
According to railway services, the train's inauguration is scheduled for October 31. On the same day, two MEMU trains will also depart between Varanasi-Prayagraj Rambagh and Varanasi City-Raja Talab. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will attend the opening.
On the launch day, the train will depart from Varanasi at 16:30. It is expected to arrive in New Delhi at 01:30 the following night. It should be noted that the schedule for the inaugural run differs from the regular service timetable.
As per the schedule approved by the Railway Board, train number 27421 will depart from Varanasi at 20:50, arriving in New Delhi at 05:55 AM. The return journey, train number 27422, will leave New Delhi at 21:40 and arrive in Varanasi at 06:45 AM. This rake will operate every day of the week except Saturdays.
The route between Delhi and Varanasi includes three intermediate stops: Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, and Chhipiana Budhgarh. This allows passengers traveling from Delhi to Varanasi, or from these stations, to utilize the train's services.
The train consists of 16 coaches, offering 823 sleeping berths. All coaches are equipped with a full air conditioning system. The types of coaches include 1 First AC coach, 4 AC 2-Tier coaches, and 11 AC 3-Tier coaches, allowing passengers to choose a class of service according to their needs and budget.
To ensure a comfortable long journey, each compartment is equipped with individual reading lamps, three-pin power sockets, and USB Type-A and Type-C charging ports. Furthermore, the train features LED lighting, large windows, ample luggage space, and onboard Wi-Fi access.
The First AC coach offers the facility of a hot shower. To ensure the best service during the long journey, the rake also includes separate staff quarters. According to railway representatives, the goal of all these enhancements is to maintain high service quality and passenger convenience.
Currently, official information regarding fares for the 'Vande Bharat Sleeper' train between New Delhi and Varanasi has not been published as the commercial circular has not yet been released. However, given the level of services provided, it is anticipated that ticket prices will be higher than those of other trains on this route. Passengers must await an official announcement on prices for various categories.
This route will be the second for the 'Vande Bharat Sleeper' train. Prime Minister Narendra Modi previously launched the first pair of such trains on the Kamakha-Haudra route in January. On that route, it was noted that the cost of the 'Vande Bharat Sleeper' was significantly higher than the Saraighat express: 72% higher in AC 3-Tier, 58% higher in AC 2-Tier, and 16% higher in First AC. The launch of the second train on the Delhi-Varanasi line will provide passengers with an additional option for overnight travel.