First Vande Bharat sleeper train launched in Uttar Pradesh: details, schedule, and cost

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.

Two new Vande Bharat sleeper trains will be introduced, operating between Mumbai and Bangalore, as well as between Varanasi and Delhi. The launch of the Mumbai-Bangalore service is scheduled for October 31, and the Varanasi-New Delhi service is set for November 1. These new trains will allow passengers to travel overnight and arrive at their destination in the morning.

The Mumbai-Bangalore route, spanning approximately 1120 kilometers, is expected to take 15 hours and 45 minutes, which would save about 6 hours and 20 minutes compared to existing express trains. According to railway plans, these new Vande Bharat sleeper trains will enhance connectivity between the states of Maharashtra-Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh-Delhi, benefiting business travelers, working people, students, pilgrims, and tourists.

Currently, a Vande Bharat sleeper train operates in the country between Havala and Kamakha, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 17, 2026, and takes approximately 14 hours.

The proposed Mumbai-Bangalore Vande Bharat train will run from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai to Sar M Visveshwara Terminus (SMVT) in Bangalore. Along the way, the train will stop at Kalyan, Pune, Solapur, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Guntakal, and Anantpur. Two Vande Bharat Sleeper sets are planned for this route. Trials have been conducted on the train at speeds up to 160 kilometers per hour, but the official schedule and other details are yet to be confirmed.

According to the tentative schedule, the train will depart from CSMT in Mumbai at 20:10 and arrive at SMVT in Bangalore the next day at 11:55. The return journey starts from SMVT in Bangalore at 19:50 and arrives at CSMT in Mumbai the following day at 11:55.

The second proposed Vande Bharat sleeper service will connect Varanasi and New Delhi, passing through Prayagraj and Kanpur to reach the capital. This will provide an additional option for passengers traveling overnight between eastern Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. In addition to the Humsafar Express, Shiv Ganga Express, and Prayagraj Express, this new train will now be available for pilgrims, tourists, working people, and students traveling to Varanasi.

According to the preliminary schedule, train number 27421 will depart from Varanasi station at 20:50. It will arrive at Prayagraj station at 22:35, stop for 5 minutes, and depart at 22:40. The train will then reach Kanpur Central at 00:40 the next night and arrive at New Delhi railway station at 05:55 in the morning. Conversely, train number 27422 will depart from New Delhi railway station at 21:40. It will arrive in Prayagraj the following morning at 04:45, stop there for 5 minutes, and then proceed to Varanasi, arriving at Varanasi station at 06:45 in the morning. This train is expected to run 6 days a week, excluding Saturdays. The railway company still needs to officially announce the final schedule.

The ticket price on the Vande Bharat Sleeper train is determined based on the per-passenger per-kilometer rate. The cost varies from 2.40 to 3.80 rupees per passenger per kilometer depending on the class. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw provided information on fares, booking, and services of the trains during question-and-answer sessions in the Lok Sabha. According to the railway, the ticket price in Third AC (3AC) class is 2.40 rupees per passenger per kilometer, excluding GST. Thus, the estimated cost for a 1000-kilometer journey would be 2400 rupees before adding GST. The railway notes that it operates trains of various categories catering to different passenger needs, including both low-cost services and premium trains with enhanced amenities.

In the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, the Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) facility will not be available. However, if a passenger with a confirmed ticket cancels their ticket, waiting list passengers may be confirmed. These trains provide reserved lower berths for senior citizens, women over 45 years old, and pregnant women. The number of such berths will be determined according to the coach category. In the sleeper class: 6 to 7 lower berths per coach. In Third AC (3AC): 4 to 5 lower berths per coach. In Second AC (2AC): 3 to 4 lower berths per coach. This number depends on the type of coaches and the available facilities on the train.

The railway also announced the availability of a booking system for passengers with disabilities and their assistants. Four seats are reserved in the sleeper class, including two lower and two middle berths. Four seats are also provided in Third AC (3AC) and Third AC Economy (3E). Four seats are reserved in Second Sitting (2S) and AC Chair Car (CC) if the train has more than two coaches of the corresponding class.

In the Vande Bharat Mumbai-Bangalore and Varanasi-New Delhi trains...

A small train operating in Darjeeling demonstrated impressive results, bringing significant revenue to the state and allowing thousands of passengers to enjoy picturesque landscapes. This success was achieved between October 1 and October 21, 2026.

The famous Darjeeling tourist train has once again attracted public attention. During the Durga Puja festival, there was a huge influx of tourists, and between October 1 and October 21, 2026, about 12 thousand passengers traveled on this historic transport. As a result of this period, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway earned revenue exceeding 1.41 crore rupees.

The famous Darjeeling tourist train has turned its historical appeal into significant tourism revenue. According to railway officials, this railway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, earned 1.41 crore rupees for the period from October 1 to October 21. In three weeks, approximately 12,000 passengers used this historic railway, proving that slow-paced travel can also attract tourists.

People visiting Darjeeling for vacation feel their trip is incomplete if they do not take a ride on this train. Although the train's speed is only between 10 and 15 kilometers per hour, its specialty is that it passes through magnificent valleys. It is popular among tourists precisely because of its low speed, as it allows them to enjoy the beautiful hills.

There are several ways to experience a ride on this famous tourist train. Given the growing number of visitors, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has started offering special tourist train trips between Darjeeling and Ghoom. Additionally, two-way services are available between Kurseong and Mahanadi.

This route makes the journey special due to the natural beauty, misty hills, and the whistle of the steam engine. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Special 'Joy Ride' trips have also been organized between Kurseong and Mahanadi, in addition to Darjeeling. On this route, one service operated on a steam engine, and the other on a diesel engine. This allowed passengers to experience two types of historic railway journeys in one mountain region.