Which Trains Are Affected?
The schedule change impacts two popular semi-high-speed services originating from Varanasi Junction. The affected trains are the Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express and the Varanasi-Deoghar Vande Bharat Express. Northern Railway has specified that both
trains will now depart 10 minutes earlier than their previous schedules. This adjustment has been made for operational reasons, and while it may seem minor, it could be the difference between catching your train and missing it. It is important for passengers to note that these changes only apply to the departure time from Varanasi; the schedules at all subsequent stations on both routes remain unchanged.
New Timing: Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express
Passengers booked on the Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express, train number 20888, need to be at the station earlier. Starting from September 2, 2026, the train will depart from Varanasi at 3:55 PM instead of its former time of 4:05 PM. This service, which was the 49th Vande Bharat train in the country, was launched in March 2024 and has become a vital link between Uttar Pradesh and 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, making stops at key stations including Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Gaya, Koderma, and Bokaro Steel City before terminating at Ranchi.
Revised Schedule: Varanasi-Deoghar Vande Bharat Express
The second train with a revised schedule is the Varanasi-Deoghar Vande Bharat Express, train number 22500. This service is particularly popular among pilgrims travelling to the revered Baba Baidyanath Jyotirlinga temple in Deoghar. From September 2, this train will depart from Varanasi at 6:10 AM, ten minutes ahead of its previous 6:20 AM departure time. Any passenger arriving at Varanasi station at 6:15 AM, as they might have previously, will now miss the train. This service connects the holy city of Varanasi to another major pilgrimage site in Jharkhand, covering a distance of roughly 456 kilometres. Similar to the Ranchi service, the arrival and departure times at all other stations along its route will not be affected by this change.
Why Ten Minutes Matters
While a ten-minute change might seem insignificant, in the world of train travel, it can lead to major disruptions for passengers who are not informed. The habit of arriving at the station with just enough time to board can be risky under the new schedule. For the morning service to Deoghar, passengers will need to adjust their early morning routines. For the afternoon train to Ranchi, those accustomed to arriving just before 4:00 PM will now find themselves cutting it too close. The railways have implemented these changes to streamline operations and improve punctuality, but the onus is on the traveller to adapt. This proactive communication from the railways is designed to prevent last-minute chaos and ensure a smooth travel experience for everyone.
What Passengers Should Do
Indian Railways has advised all passengers booked on these two Vande Bharat services from September 2 onwards to verify their train timings. The most reliable way to do this is by checking the official National Train Enquiry System (NTES) website or mobile app, or by looking at the updated schedule on the IRCTC portal where tickets are booked. It is also wise to check for any alerts or notifications sent to the registered mobile number or email address associated with your ticket booking. Given the new departure times, travellers are strongly encouraged to plan their journey to Varanasi Junction with an added buffer, ensuring they arrive at the station well ahead of the revised schedule to avoid any inconvenience.
