A New Chapter in Overnight Travel
Indian Railways is preparing to launch its second Vande Bharat sleeper service on the high-demand Delhi-Varanasi corridor, a route already popular with pilgrims and tourists. Unlike the existing daytime chair-car Vande Bharat trains on this route, this new
service is designed specifically for overnight travel. This allows passengers to travel through the night and arrive at their destination in the morning, saving a valuable travel day. The proposed 16-coach train will feature a three-class configuration with one First AC, four AC 2-tier, and eleven AC 3-tier coaches, accommodating up to 823 passengers in total.
Convenient Timings, Faster Journeys
The proposed schedule is designed for maximum convenience, especially for those planning short trips. The train is expected to depart from both Varanasi Cantt and New Delhi at around 9:20 PM, arriving at its destination at 5:00 AM the next morning. This sub-eight-hour journey is a significant improvement over many existing overnight options. The train will travel via Prayagraj and Kanpur, providing crucial connectivity to these key cities as well. Operating at speeds between 130 km/h and a potential 160 km/h, the service aims to substantially reduce the effective travel time between the national capital and one of India's oldest living cities.
What This Means for Travellers
The introduction of a sleeper Vande Bharat on this route is a game-changer for weekend and festival travel. The ability to leave Delhi after work on a Friday and wake up in Varanasi on Saturday morning makes a two-day trip not just possible, but comfortable. Currently, two Vande Bharat chair-car services already run on this route, but they are daytime operations. This new overnight option will help ease the immense pressure on existing popular trains like the Shiv Ganga Express, providing a modern, faster alternative. With trial runs expected to begin soon, officials are reportedly aiming for a commercial launch around the Diwali festival season, though an official date is yet to be announced by the Railway Board.
Enhanced Comfort and Modern Amenities
The Vande Bharat sleeper trains are designed to offer a superior passenger experience compared to conventional trains. Passengers can expect ergonomically designed berths and ladders, sensor-based lighting for a restful ambiance, and improved air conditioning with germ-free air supply. The coaches feature modern bio-vacuum toilets similar to those in aircraft, automatic doors, and sealed gangways that help maintain a cleaner and temperature-controlled environment. For added safety, the train will be equipped with the indigenous KAVACH anti-collision system. These upgrades are part of a broader push by Indian Railways to modernise long-distance travel across the country, with plans for over 200 sleeper Vande Bharat trains in the coming years.
Planning Your Trip
While the official launch date and fare structure have not yet been finalised by Indian Railways, the service is one of the most anticipated new train introductions. Based on the proposed per-kilometre pricing formula for Vande Bharat sleepers, early estimates suggest fares could be around INR 1,820 for AC 3-tier, INR 2,350 for AC 2-tier, and INR 2,880 for First AC, plus GST. Travellers keen on being among the first to experience this new service should keep an eye on official announcements from Indian Railways for the final timetable and the opening of ticket bookings, which are typically available through the IRCTC website and app. The introduction of this train service is expected to significantly boost tourism, making the spiritual and cultural sights of Varanasi more accessible for a quick and refreshing getaway.
