The Vande Bharat Sleeper Varanasi New Delhi service will be launched on Saturday, October 31, with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagging off the trains from Varanasi.
The new overnight service will connect Varanasi with the national capital through Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, Aligarh and Ghaziabad. It aims to improve connectivity for pilgrims, tourists, students and working professionals travelling between eastern Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.
According to the Ministry of Railways, the service will reduce travel time compared with the existing Shiv Ganga Express in both directions.
Vande Bharat Sleeper train timings and stoppages
The Varanasi-New Delhi service will depart Varanasi at 8:50 pm and reach New Delhi at 6:10 am the following day.
In the return direction, the train will leave New Delhi at 9:40 pm and arrive in Varanasi at 7:10 am the next morning.
| Route | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Varanasi to New Delhi | 8:50 pm | 6:10 am |
| New Delhi to Varanasi | 9:40 pm | 7:10 am |
The train will operate six days a week. The Varanasi-originating service will not run on Fridays, while the New Delhi-originating service will not operate on Saturdays.
The ministry said the new service would reduce journey time by 55 minutes from Varanasi to New Delhi and 35 minutes in the opposite direction, compared with the Shiv Ganga Express.
Vande Bharat Sleeper features and safety systems
Designed for long-distance overnight journeys, the Vande Bharat Sleeper incorporates upgraded propulsion, safety and passenger comfort systems.
Its power and performance features include regenerative braking, an under-slung propulsion system and an aerodynamic design. The train is also designed to offer smoother acceleration and a reduced-jerk ride.
The stainless steel car body meets EN15227 crash standards. Other design features include sealed flexible gangways, automatic sliding plug doors, noise insulation and LED lighting.
For passenger safety, the trains will have the Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), smoke and fire detection systems, CCTV surveillance and emergency alarm push buttons.
The coaches will also comply with EN45545 HL3 fire safety standards and include fire barrier doors and disaster management lighting.
Modern amenities for overnight passengers
The sleeper coaches will feature ergonomically designed toilets with vacuum evacuation systems. Special berths and toilets will be available for passengers with disabilities.
Other facilities include spacious luggage areas, three-pin charging sockets and Type-A and Type-C USB ports.
The trains will also offer passenger communication systems, onboard Wi-Fi and air-conditioned crew cabins. First AC passengers will have access to showers with hot water.
The ministry said the new service would extend the Vande Bharat Sleeper network beyond the Howrah-Guwahati corridor, where services began in January 2026.
The Varanasi-New Delhi connection is expected to provide an additional overnight travel option between a major pilgrimage centre and the national capital.
