Vande Bharat sleeper train between Delhi and Varanasi: Timings, route, travel time & expected fare
Indian Railways is preparing to introduce a Vande Bharat Sleeper train between New Delhi and Varanasi, expanding its premium overnight rail services following the reported success of the Howrah-Kamakhya sleeper route.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath are expected to flag off the new service from Varanasi. The proposed launch comes ahead of Diwali and Chhath, when passenger demand typically rises.
The semi-high-speed sleeper train is expected to offer passengers a faster overnight connection between the national capital and the prominent religious city in Uttar Pradesh.
Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat sleeper: Timings and route
According to the proposed schedule, the service will operate six days a week, connecting the two cities overnight.
Train number 27421 is scheduled to depart from Varanasi at 8:50 pm and arrive in New Delhi at 5:55 am the following day. In the reverse direction, train number 27422 will leave New Delhi at 9:40 pm and reach Varanasi at 6:45 am the next morning.
The train will cover approximately 760 km in nine hours and 30 minutes, passing through Kanpur Central along the way.
The overnight schedule is designed to allow passengers to reach their destination early in the morning, potentially making the service attractive to both business and leisure travellers.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: Coaches and classes
The proposed train will have 16 coaches, offering three accommodation categories to suit different passenger preferences.
The classes will include:
First AC: Premium accommodation for passengers seeking greater privacy and comfort.
Second AC: Air-conditioned sleeper accommodation with enhanced comfort.
Third AC: Air-conditioned sleeper berths aimed at a wider range of travellers.
The sleeper configuration is intended to provide a more comfortable experience for passengers travelling long distances overnight.
Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat sleeper fare
Indian Railways has yet to issue the commercial fare circular for the proposed service. An official indicated that ticket prices could be slightly higher than those of other trains operating on the route, reflecting the additional amenities and premium travel experience.
The final fares for First AC, Second AC and Third AC are expected to be announced closer to the start of commercial operations.
Passengers should check official Indian Railways channels for confirmed ticket prices, booking dates and the final timetable.
Two new MEMU services also planned
Two MEMU train services connecting destinations around Varanasi are also scheduled to begin on the same day, according to the information provided.
One service will connect Varanasi with Prayagraj Rambagh, while the other will operate between Varanasi City and Raja Talab.
The additions are expected to strengthen regional rail connectivity alongside the proposed premium sleeper service.
Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat route also in the pipeline
Another anticipated addition to the Vande Bharat network is the Bengaluru-Mumbai route, which is expected to be inaugurated early next month, according to the report.
Vaishnaw had approved the route more than six months ago, and preparations are reportedly underway ahead of its opening to passengers.
The proposed service would add another major intercity connection to the expanding Vande Bharat network.
Vande Bharat network sees strong passenger demand
Vande Bharat trains were first introduced on the New Delhi-Varanasi route in February 2019. Since then, the service has reportedly carried more than 9.1 crore passengers across one lakh trips.
The figures cited in the report also point to growing demand for premium rail travel, with passenger numbers increasing significantly year on year.
The Howrah-Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper service reportedly recorded more than 100 per cent occupancy during its first 119 trips over three months, carrying approximately 1.21 lakh passengers.
The performance has reinforced expectations that overnight Vande Bharat services could attract strong demand on other busy routes.
The proposed Delhi-Varanasi service would mark another step in Indian Railways' efforts to expand premium overnight connectivity. However, the final launch date, confirmed timetable and ticket fares remain subject to official announcements.
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