The New Route and Schedule
The second sleeper Vande Bharat, named the Sant Ravidas Express, will connect two culturally significant cities: Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh and Chheharta (near Amritsar) in Punjab. This service is a major upgrade for overnight rail connectivity on one
of India's busiest travel corridors. The train is scheduled to run three times a week in each direction. Train No. 14623 will depart from Varanasi at 7:05 PM every Thursday, Saturday, and Monday, arriving in Chheharta the next day at 5:10 PM. For the return journey, Train No. 14624 will leave Chheharta at 2:05 PM on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, reaching Varanasi at 12:15 PM the following day. This schedule is designed to facilitate convenient overnight travel for both business and leisure trips.
A New Standard of Comfort
The Vande Bharat sleeper aims to make the journey as restful as the destination. The train is fully air-conditioned and consists of three classes: AC First, AC 2-Tier, and AC 3-Tier. Berths are designed to be wider and better cushioned than those in traditional trains, ensuring better spinal support for a good night's sleep. Each berth comes equipped with individual reading lights and charging sockets. The train's advanced suspension system and superior coupling technology promise a smoother, jerk-free ride with reduced noise, allowing for undisturbed rest. Automatic doors between coaches maintain a quiet, climate-controlled environment and make moving through the train easier and safer.
Modern Amenities Onboard
Passenger experience is at the heart of the Vande Bharat sleeper's design. The train features modern bio-vacuum toilets with sensor-based, touchless taps to enhance hygiene. For those in the First AC coaches, there is the added luxury of an onboard hot shower facility. Keeping passengers connected, the train provides Wi-Fi for accessing a preloaded collection of movies and TV shows. Enhanced safety is ensured through CCTV cameras throughout the coaches and the Kavach anti-collision system. There are also dedicated storage areas for luggage, which helps keep aisles and cabins clutter-free.
Planning Your City Break
The timings of the Sant Ravidas Express are ideal for planning a weekend city break. A traveller from the Varanasi region can depart on a Thursday or Saturday evening, sleep through the night, and have most of Friday or Sunday to explore Amritsar and its surroundings. Major stops along the route include Lucknow, Bareilly, Moradabad, Ambala Cantt, and Ludhiana, opening up numerous possibilities for short trips. For instance, one could plan a trip from Lucknow to Amritsar, using the overnight journey to maximize their time in the city. The evening departure from Varanasi allows you to finish a workday before heading to the station, making it a highly practical option.
Booking Your Journey
Tickets for the Vande Bharat sleeper can be booked through the official IRCTC website or the Rail Connect mobile app. A key feature of this new service is that there will be no Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) or waiting lists; only confirmed tickets will be issued. This removes the uncertainty often associated with train travel in India. The advance reservation period typically opens 60 to 120 days before the date of travel. Given the anticipated high demand for this premium service, it is advisable to book your tickets well in advance to secure a berth.
