The Service: A Vande Bharat Sleeper
The much-anticipated new service is the Sant Ravidas Express, India's second Vande Bharat train with sleeper coaches. This isn't just another train; it's a significant upgrade designed for comfortable overnight travel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set
to flag off the train on July 17, 2026, marking a major boost for connectivity between Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. The service will run three times a week in each direction, specifically catering to pilgrims, tourists, and business travellers who need to cover the long distance efficiently. The train will operate between Varanasi and Chheharta, a station near Amritsar where its primary maintenance will be done.
Decoding the Timings for Smart Planning
The schedule for the Sant Ravidas Express is designed to maximise time at the destination. The train from Varanasi to Chheharta (Amritsar), number 14623, will depart at 7:05 PM every Thursday, Saturday, and Monday. It is scheduled to arrive in Amritsar the next day at 4:35 PM before terminating at Chheharta at 5:10 PM. This evening departure from Varanasi allows travellers to finish a day's work or sightseeing before boarding. For those travelling from Punjab, train number 14624 will depart from Chheharta at 2:05 PM on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, reaching Amritsar at 2:25 PM and arriving in Varanasi the next day at 12:15 PM. These timings make weekend trips and short pilgrimage plans highly feasible, as you spend the night travelling and get the day to explore.
Overnight Comfort and Onboard Amenities
As a Vande Bharat sleeper, the Sant Ravidas Express promises a significant upgrade in overnight comfort. Passengers can expect fully air-conditioned sleeper coaches with ergonomically designed berths for a more restful journey. Modern amenities such as bio-vacuum toilets, passenger information systems, and automatic doors are standard features. Safety is also a priority, with CCTV surveillance throughout the train. While the exact configurations of AC First, Two-Tier, and Three-Tier coaches are yet to be detailed, the Vande Bharat platform is known for its premium features, reduced travel noise, and smoother ride quality, which should make the nearly 22-hour journey far more comfortable than conventional options. Booking details and fares are expected to be announced closer to the launch date.
Planning Your Amritsar City-Break
Arriving in Amritsar at 4:35 PM gives you just enough time to check into your hotel and head to the Wagah Border for the evening ceremony, a must-see spectacle. The next day can be dedicated to the spiritual heart of the city, the Golden Temple. It is advisable to visit early in the morning to experience its serene atmosphere. Afterwards, you can explore the nearby Jallianwala Bagh, a poignant reminder of India's freedom struggle. The afternoon can be spent exploring the Partition Museum or sampling Amritsar's famous cuisine, from kulchas to lassi. With the train departing for Varanasi in the afternoon on its scheduled days, you can comfortably manage a two-day itinerary focused on Amritsar's main attractions.
Key Stops Connecting North India
The train isn't just a point-to-point service; it connects several major cities across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab. Key stops on the route include Lucknow, Bareilly, Moradabad, Saharanpur, Ambala Cantt, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar City. This extensive network of halts makes the Sant Ravidas Express a vital link for travellers from various parts of North India, offering them direct, premium connectivity to both Varanasi and Amritsar. The stop in Lucknow, for instance, provides a crucial link for passengers from the state capital to either of the spiritual destinations.
