Delhi-Varanasi Sleeper Vande Bharat to launch soon

Indian Railways is preparing to introduce a second Sleeper Vande Bharat Express service between Delhi and Varanasi. This overnight train is set to run via Prayagraj and Kanpur, offering passengers an alternative option for traveling between the capital and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Railway officials aim to launch the train around Diwali, with trial runs potentially starting as early as this month. However, the Railway Board has not yet determined the train number, fares, or exact operational dates.

The proposed schedule would see the train departing Varanasi Cantt at 9:20 pm, reaching Prayagraj at 10:45 pm, Kanpur Central at 12:35 am, and finally arriving in New Delhi at 5 am. On the reverse journey, the train would leave New Delhi at 9:20 pm and arrive in Varanasi at 5 am the following morning. These timings would make the service an overnight option for travelers between Delhi, Prayagraj, and Varanasi.

The Sleeper Vande Bharat is expected to operate at speeds of 130 kmph to 160 kmph, with higher speeds depending on track conditions and progress under the Railways Mission Raftaar initiative. The 16-coach train will have a total capacity of 823 passengers, featuring 11 AC 3-tier coaches, four AC 2-tier coaches, and one First AC coach. Modern amenities associated with Vande Bharat services will be provided.

Northern Railway will undertake the primary maintenance of the train. Praveen Patel, a member of the Zonal Railway Users Consultative Committee (ZRUCC) in the NCR, stated that the indigenously developed Sleeper Vande Bharat could enhance convenience for travelers between Delhi, Prayagraj, and Varanasi while reducing travel time.

This would be the second Sleeper Vande Bharat service planned by Indian Railways, following the Howrah-Kamakhya route. The Railway Board has yet to confirm the final details, including the train number, fare structure, and date of regular operations.