A New Chapter in Overnight Travel
Indian Railways is planning to launch a Vande Bharat sleeper train connecting New Delhi and Varanasi, transforming one of the country's most popular travel corridors. While Varanasi is already connected by two daytime Vande Bharat chair-car services,
this will be the first to offer an overnight option, allowing travellers to save a full day of travel. This is a significant development for pilgrims, tourists, and business travellers who frequent the route. The service aims to reduce the rush on existing popular overnight trains, offering a premium, high-speed alternative.
The Proposed Schedule: Arrive Refreshed
According to proposed schedules, the journey is expected to take approximately eight hours. The train is planned to depart from Varanasi Cantt at night, around 9:20 PM, making stops at Prayagraj and Kanpur, and arriving in New Delhi by 5:00 AM the next morning. The return journey would follow a similar late-night departure from New Delhi. This schedule is designed for maximum convenience, allowing passengers to sleep through the journey and arrive at their destination ready for the day ahead, a game-changer compared to lengthy daytime travel.
Onboard Comfort and Modern Amenities
The Vande Bharat sleeper trains are designed for a superior travel experience. A standard 16-coach train is expected to accommodate 823 passengers across three classes: AC First Class, AC Two-Tier, and AC Three-Tier. Passengers can expect modern interiors, improved suspension for a smoother ride, and amenities like individual charging points. The engineless, self-propelled design of Vande Bharat trains ensures faster acceleration and deceleration, contributing to reduced journey times. Safety features are also a priority, with advanced systems expected to be part of the new sleeper service.
Boosting a Key Spiritual Corridor
The introduction of a high-speed overnight train further cements Varanasi's position as a major hub for spiritual and heritage tourism. The city is already the starting point for the first-ever Vande Bharat Express, launched in 2019, and a more recent service to Khajuraho that has boosted connectivity to the heritage site. This new sleeper service will enhance the travel experience on the Delhi-Varanasi route, which is crucial for pilgrims and tourists visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and other sacred sites. By making the journey more comfortable and time-efficient, it encourages more frequent travel and longer stays, benefiting the local economy, from hotels to artisans.
Expected Fares and Launch Details
While official fares will be announced closer to the launch, estimates based on the Vande Bharat sleeper fare structure suggest prices could be around ₹1,820 for AC 3-Tier, ₹2,350 for AC 2-Tier, and ₹2,880 for First AC, plus GST. Initially, a launch date around mid-October 2026 was discussed, but the latest reports suggest a possible launch in November 2026 to cater to the festive season rush. Travellers should monitor official announcements from Indian Railways and the IRCTC portal for confirmed schedules, fares, and booking information.
