The Key Change: A 10-Minute Adjustment
The primary change affects two key services originating from Varanasi: the Vande Bharat Express to Ranchi and the one to Deoghar. In both cases, the departure time from Varanasi has been moved forward by 10 minutes. While this may seem like a minor adjustment,
it is a crucial piece of information for passengers, as arriving based on the old schedule could mean missing the train entirely. The new schedule comes into effect on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
New Timing: Varanasi to Ranchi
The Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express, train number 20888, will now depart from Varanasi at 3:55 PM instead of its previous time of 4:05 PM. This service, which was flagged off in March 2024, is a popular choice for travellers heading towards Jharkhand. It operates six days a week, with no service on Tuesdays. The train covers the 536-kilometre distance in approximately 7 hours and 50 minutes, passing through key stations like Gaya, Bokaro Steel City, and Muri before reaching Ranchi. It is important to note that the timings at all subsequent stations after Varanasi remain unchanged; only the departure time from Varanasi is affected.
New Timing: Varanasi to Deoghar
The second train with a revised schedule is the Varanasi-Deoghar Vande Bharat Express, train number 22500. This service will now leave Varanasi at 6:10 AM, 10 minutes earlier than its previous 6:20 AM departure. This train is especially significant for pilgrims travelling to Deoghar, home to the revered Baba Baidyanath Jyotirlinga temple. Similar to the Ranchi service, the schedule adjustment only applies to the train's departure from Varanasi. Timings at all other stations along its route will continue as per the old schedule. Passengers planning their journey on this early morning train should take special note of the new timing to avoid any last-minute inconvenience.
What About the New Delhi Route?
It is crucial for passengers to know that these changes do not affect the flagship Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express. The schedules for train number 22435 (Varanasi to New Delhi) and 22436 (New Delhi to Varanasi) remain the same. The train from New Delhi (22436) departs at 6:00 AM and arrives in Varanasi at 2:00 PM. The return service from Varanasi (22435) departs at 3:00 PM, arriving in New Delhi at 11:00 PM. These trains continue to run six days a week, excluding Thursdays. Passengers travelling on this high-demand route can continue to plan their journeys based on the existing, unchanged timetable.
Why the Change and What to Do
Indian Railways has cited "operational reasons" for the timetable adjustments. Such changes are often made to streamline traffic, improve punctuality across the network, and de-congest busy corridors. While a 10-minute shift might seem small, it can have a cascading effect on the network, helping to maintain the efficiency of these high-speed services. For passengers holding tickets for the affected trains on or after September 2, 2026, it is essential to re-confirm the departure time. It is always advisable to check the NTES (National Train Enquiry System) app or the official IRCTC website for the most current information before heading to the station.
