The Affected Service: Varanasi-Deoghar Vande Bharat Express
The schedule change specifically applies to Train Number 22500, the Varanasi-Deoghar Vande Bharat Express. This service is a popular choice for pilgrims and tourists travelling to the temple town of Deoghar, which is home to the revered Baba Baidyanath
Jyotirlinga temple. The Northern Railway zone, which manages the train, has implemented this revision for operational reasons. Passengers who regularly use this morning service should take special note of the new timings to avoid any inconvenience.
New Departure Time From Varanasi
Starting from September 2, 2026, the Varanasi-Deoghar Vande Bharat Express will depart from Varanasi Junction at 6:10 AM. This is 10 minutes earlier than its previous departure time of 6:20 AM. While a 10-minute adjustment might seem minor, it can be the difference between catching and missing the train, especially for an early morning departure. Passengers are advised to adjust their travel plans to the station accordingly to ensure they arrive with sufficient time before the new, earlier departure.
Timings at Other Stations Remain Unchanged
Indian Railways has clarified that the revision is only for the train's departure from its originating station, Varanasi. The schedule for all subsequent stops on the route to Deoghar will remain the same. This means the arrival and departure times at stations like Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Gaya Junction, and Jasidih Junction are not affected by this change. Passengers boarding the train from any station after Varanasi do not need to adjust their schedules.
A Second Vande Bharat Train Also Rescheduled
Travellers from Varanasi should also be aware that the timing for another Vande Bharat service has been changed. The Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 20888) will also depart 10 minutes earlier, moving from its old time of 4:05 PM to a new departure time of 3:55 PM, effective the same day. This train, which runs six days a week except for Tuesday, connects Varanasi to the Jharkhand capital via key stops like Gaya, Koderma, and Bokaro Steel City. Similar to the Deoghar service, the timings at subsequent stations for the Ranchi-bound train remain unchanged.
What Passengers Should Do
Given these changes, all passengers planning to travel on either the Varanasi-Deoghar or Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express from September 2 onwards are strongly advised to double-check their train's schedule. The most reliable way to confirm the new timings is by using the official National Train Enquiry System (NTES) app or visiting the Indian Railways website. It is crucial to rely on the updated schedule for planning your journey to the station. Arriving based on the old timetable could result in a missed train and significant travel disruption.
