A New Overnight Option: The Vande Bharat Sleeper
The most significant update for travellers is the planned introduction of a second Vande Bharat Express on this route, this time a sleeper version. Unlike the existing daytime chair-car services, this train is designed for comfortable overnight travel,
allowing passengers to save a full day of travel time. The service is poised to become the second of its kind in the country and will connect the national capital with Varanasi via two other major Uttar Pradesh cities, Kanpur and Prayagraj. Reports suggest the new train could begin operations around Diwali, with trials expected to take place in October 2026.
Proposed Timings and Schedule
According to proposed schedules reported by railway officials, the new sleeper service aims for an efficient overnight journey. The train is expected to depart from Varanasi Cantt around 9:20 PM, reaching Prayagraj at 10:45 PM and Kanpur Central at 12:35 AM, before arriving in New Delhi at approximately 5:00 AM. In the reverse direction, the train would depart New Delhi at 9:20 PM and arrive in Varanasi at 5:00 AM the next morning. This schedule provides a convenient overnight option, landing travellers in their destination city early in the morning. However, it is important to note that these timings are proposed and not yet finalised by the Railway Board.
Coach Configuration and Onboard Experience
The Delhi-Varanasi sleeper Vande Bharat is expected to be a 16-coach train with a capacity for 823 passengers. The composition is planned to include one First AC coach, four AC 2-tier coaches, and eleven AC 3-tier coaches, catering to different budgets and comfort preferences. The Vande Bharat sleeper series has been designed with passenger comfort as a priority. Features include ergonomically designed berths and ladders for easier access to upper berths, modern bio-vacuum toilets, individual reading lights, and dedicated charging points. For enhanced safety, the train will be equipped with the Kavach anti-collision system, CCTV cameras, and a centralised coach monitoring system.
The High-Speed Future: Bullet Train Corridor
Looking further ahead, the Delhi-Varanasi route is a priority corridor for India's high-speed bullet train network. While this project is still in the planning stages and not yet under construction, it promises to revolutionise travel between the two cities. The proposed 865-kilometre line aims to cut travel time to just under four hours, with trains running at a top speed of 350 kmph. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been submitted, and it is identified as a high-priority project in the Union Budget 2026-27. Proposed stations along this futuristic route include Noida, Jewar Airport, Agra, Lucknow, and Prayagraj, creating a powerful economic and tourism connector across Uttar Pradesh. However, travellers planning trips in the immediate future should be aware that this is a long-term project, with an indicative operational horizon around 2031.
Booking Your Trip: What to Know
For the existing Vande Bharat chair car and the upcoming sleeper service, booking will be available through the official IRCTC website and app. As with all popular train routes in India, it is advisable to book tickets well in advance, especially during festive seasons or holidays. The existing chair car Vande Bharat (Train no. 22435/22436) runs six days a week, excluding Thursdays. The new sleeper service will likely follow a similar booking pattern. Fares for the sleeper train have not been officially announced, but estimates based on standard Vande Bharat sleeper pricing suggest they will be competitive with existing premium overnight trains. Always confirm final timings, fares, and availability on official Indian Railways platforms before making travel plans.
