Indian Railways is set to launch a new Vande Bharat Sleeper Express service between Varanasi and New Delhi, starting October 31, 2026. The train will be flagged off from Varanasi by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
The new service is expected to improve overnight rail connectivity between the two cities and offer passengers a faster, more convenient and modern travel option.
The train will operate via Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, Aligarh, and Ghaziabad. It will depart from Varanasi at 8:50 PM and arrive in New Delhi at 6:10 AM the following morning. The return service will depart from New Delhi at 9:40 PM and reach Varanasi at 7:10 AM.
This service, which operates six days a week, will not run from Varanasi on Fridays or from New Delhi on Saturdays. Compared to the existing Shiv Ganga Express, this new service is expected to reduce travel time towards Delhi by 55 minutes and towards Varanasi by 35 minutes.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is equipped with advanced safety features, including regenerative braking, collision avoidance, CCTV and fire detection systems. Passenger amenities include comfortable berths, Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, vacuum toilets, accessible accommodation and dedicated luggage space. First AC passengers will also enjoy hot-water shower facilities.
This train will also feature advanced safety amenities, such as emergency alarms, specialized lighting for disaster management, and onboard intercommunication facilities.
The new service follows the introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains on the Howrah–Guwahati route in January 2026.The Varanasi-Delhi connection is expected to benefit pilgrims, tourists, students, professionals, and families. Furthermore, it will offer a faster and more comfortable option for overnight travel between eastern Uttar Pradesh and the National Capital Region (NCR).
(PIB)
