Travelling between Varanasi and Delhi overnight is set to get a new option with the launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train on Saturday. India's second Vande Bharat Sleeper service will connect the two cities, offering fully air-conditioned coaches, modern passenger amenities and an overnight journey. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will flag off the train from Varanasi. The 16-coach service has a passenger capacity of 823 and will operate six days a week, with no service on Fridays. The train is designed to run at speeds of up to 160 kmph, while its maximum design speed is 180 kmph. It will cover several important stations, including Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, Aligarh and Ghaziabad.

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Vande Bharat Sleeper train ticket prices: How much will AC fares cost?

As per a TOI report, the Vande Bharat Sleeper will feature three classes of accommodation: First AC, Second AC and Third AC. The fares, as mentioned in the railway notification, are as follows:

GST will be charged separately on the ticket fares.

Unlike conventional trains, the Vande Bharat Sleeper will not offer Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC), waitlisted or partially confirmed tickets, according to officials.

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Varanasi-Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper train timings and schedule

The overnight service will operate under two train numbers, connecting Varanasi and New Delhi in both directions.

Varanasi to New Delhi (Train No. 27421)

• Departure from Varanasi: 8:50 pm
• Arrival at New Delhi: 6:10 am the following day

New Delhi to Varanasi (Train No. 27422)

• Departure from New Delhi: 9:40 pm
• Arrival at Varanasi: 7:10 am the following day

The service will operate six days a week. The Varanasi-Delhi train will not run on Fridays, while the return service from Delhi will not operate on Saturdays for maintenance.

Vande Bharat Sleeper route: Check all railway stations and stops

The train will connect Varanasi with the national capital through five intermediate stations. Its scheduled stops are:

• Varanasi
• Prayagraj
• Kanpur Central
• Aligarh
• Ghaziabad
• New Delhi

The train will undergo maintenance in Varanasi. Water-filling facilities will also be available at Prayagraj and Kanpur.

Vande Bharat Sleeper facilities: CCTV cameras, automatic doors and emergency systems

The new sleeper service will feature several modern amenities aimed at improving passenger comfort, convenience and safety during overnight journeys.

Some of its key features include:

• CCTV cameras for onboard surveillance.
• Automatic sensor-based doors.
• Fire detection and safety systems.
• Security alarms and emergency communication facilities.
• Charging points and individual reading lights.
• Infotainment screens.
• Automatic doors between coaches.
• Emergency talk-back systems allowing passengers to communicate directly with train crew members.

All coaches will have both Western-style and Indian-style bio-toilets. The First AC coach will additionally offer a shower facility.

The train will also have passenger-friendly interiors, improved hygiene arrangements and facilities for differently abled passengers.

Kavach safety system and onboard catering in Vande Bharat Sleeper

The train will be equipped with the indigenous Kavach train protection system, alongside modern emergency communication and fire safety arrangements.

Passengers will also have access to onboard catering, with regional food options included in the service.

Its suspension technology has been designed to minimise vibrations, jerks and noise, making overnight travel more comfortable, particularly at higher speeds.

Vande Bharat Sleeper inaugural run: Departure and arrival timings

On the inaugural day, the special train will depart from Varanasi Junction at 4:30 pm and is expected to reach New Delhi at 1:30 am.

Apart from the Vande Bharat Sleeper launch, two new MEMU train services will also be introduced. These will operate on the Varanasi-Rajatalab and Banaras-Prayagraj Rambag routes.

The new service is expected to provide another overnight rail travel option between Uttar Pradesh's temple city and the national capital, with upgraded coaches and modern onboard facilities.


Inputs from TOI