Two Services Departing Earlier
In a significant update for travellers, Indian Railways has advanced the departure times for two Vande Bharat Express trains originating from Varanasi Cantt station. The change, which takes effect from September 2, 2026, affects services to Ranchi and Deoghar.
Both trains will now depart 10 minutes earlier than their previous schedules. While a 10-minute adjustment may seem minor, it can be the difference between catching your train and missing it. Passengers are strongly advised to take note of this new timetable to prevent any last-minute travel disruptions. The revision has been made for operational reasons, according to railway officials.
New Timing: Varanasi to Ranchi Express
The first train affected is the Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 20888). Previously scheduled to depart from Varanasi at 4:05 PM, the train will now leave at 3:55 PM. This service, which was flagged off in March 2024, is a popular choice for travellers heading to Jharkhand, covering the 536-kilometre distance in approximately 7 hours and 50 minutes. The train runs six days a week, with no service on Tuesdays. It is important for passengers to note that this time change only applies to the departure from Varanasi; the schedule at subsequent stations like Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, Gaya, and Bokaro Steel City remains unchanged.
Revised Schedule: Varanasi to Deoghar Express
The second service with a revised schedule is the Varanasi-Deoghar Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 22500). This train will now depart from Varanasi at 6:10 AM, instead of its former time of 6:20 AM. This is a crucial update for morning travellers and pilgrims heading to the temple town of Deoghar. Much like the Ranchi service, the schedule for the Deoghar train remains the same at all stations after its departure from Varanasi. Passengers boarding at the origin station must adjust their plans to arrive earlier to accommodate the new timing.
Which Train Is Not Affected?
Amid these changes, it is equally important to note which services are operating as usual. There is no change to the schedule of the highly frequented Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 22435). This train will continue to depart from Varanasi at its regular time of 3:00 PM. Passengers travelling to Prayagraj, Kanpur, and New Delhi on this service can proceed with their existing travel plans without any modifications. The current revisions are specific only to the Ranchi and Deoghar routes.
What You Need to Do
If you are scheduled to travel on the Vande Bharat Express to either Ranchi or Deoghar from Varanasi on or after September 2, 2026, the directive is simple: re-verify your departure time. Do not rely on old tickets or previously saved schedules. The most reliable sources for updated information are the official IRCTC website, the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) app, and other official railway communications. Plan your commute to Varanasi Cantt station based on the new, earlier departure times. Arriving based on the old schedule will likely result in missing your train, so a quick check before you leave home is essential for a smooth and hassle-free journey.
