A New Premium Connection
India’s second Vande Bharat Sleeper train, named the Sant Ravidas Express, is scheduled to be flagged off on July 17, 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate the service, which creates a vital new link between Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh
and Chheharta, near Amritsar, in Punjab. This launch represents a significant expansion of India's premium overnight rail network, aimed at making long-distance travel faster and more comfortable for pilgrims, tourists, and business travellers alike. The service is expected to significantly improve connectivity between eastern Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.
The Sleeper Vande Bharat Concept
While the initial Vande Bharat trains revolutionised daytime intercity travel with their high speed and chair-car configuration, the sleeper version is designed specifically for long, overnight journeys. These trains are self-propelling Electric Multiple Units, capable of reaching speeds up to 180 km/h, though they operate at a maximum of 160 km/h. Each trainset consists of 16 fully air-conditioned coaches with an aerodynamic design, improved soundproofing, and advanced coupling to reduce jerks, ensuring a quieter and more stable ride. A standard train can accommodate around 823 passengers across three classes: AC First, AC Two-Tier, and AC Three-Tier.
What 'Premium' Really Means
The passenger experience is at the heart of the Vande Bharat Sleeper's design. Berths are wider and feature better cushioning compared to conventional trains. Modern amenities include personal reading lights, electric sockets, and CCTV cameras for enhanced security. The bio-vacuum toilets are equipped with automatic taps and odour control systems. For First AC passengers, a standout feature is the provision of a hot shower facility. Onboard catering with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options is included in the fare, and an infotainment system with preloaded content is also available for passengers.
Route, Timings, and Key Stops
The Sant Ravidas Express will not be a daily service, instead running three times a week in each direction. Train number 14623 will depart from Varanasi on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Mondays at 7:05 PM, reaching Chheharta the next day at 5:10 PM. The return service, train 14624, will leave Chheharta on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 2:05 PM, arriving in Varanasi at 12:15 PM the following day. The route connects several major cities, with key stops including Lucknow, Bareilly, Moradabad, Ambala Cantt, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar City, before its brief halt at Amritsar. The journey duration is a significant improvement over some existing rail options on the corridor.
Connecting Two Spiritual Hubs
The choice of the Varanasi-Amritsar route is strategic, linking two of India's most revered pilgrimage destinations. Varanasi, one of the world's oldest living cities, is a major centre for Hindus, while Amritsar is home to the Golden Temple, the most sacred site in Sikhism. Existing train journeys between the two cities can take over 20 hours. By providing a faster, more comfortable overnight option, the new service is poised to boost religious and cultural tourism, allowing travellers to maximise their time at their destination rather than in transit.
