Sleeper Vande Bharat Express for Delhi-Varanasi passengers: New overnight service may launch around Diwali, with Prayagraj & Kanpur stops; here’s what travellers need to know

Indian Railways is working on plans for a second Sleeper Vande Bharat Express connecting New Delhi and Varanasi. The proposed overnight service is expected to run via Prayagraj and Kanpur, giving passengers another option for travelling between the national capital and eastern Uttar Pradesh.

According to a report by TOI, railway officials are targeting an introduction around Diwali, while trials could begin as early as this month. However, the Railway Board is yet to announce the train number, fare or final date of regular operations.

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Delhi-Varanasi Sleeper Vande Bharat: Proposed timings

As per the proposed schedule, the train would leave Varanasi Cantt at 9.20 pm and reach Prayagraj at 10.45 pm. It would then pass through Kanpur Central at 12.35 am before reaching New Delhi at 5 am.

In the opposite direction, the proposed service would depart New Delhi at 9.20 pm and arrive in Varanasi at 5 am the following morning.

These timings would make the train an overnight option for passengers travelling between Delhi, Prayagraj and Varanasi.

Sleeper Vande Bharat expected to run at up to 160 kmph

The proposed train is expected to operate at speeds of 130 kmph to 160 kmph, depending on track conditions and progress under the Railways' Mission Raftaar initiative.

Higher operating speeds could help reduce journey times on the Delhi-Varanasi corridor, although the final speed and timings will depend on trials and operational clearances.

16-coach train to have 823 berths

The proposed Sleeper Vande Bharat will reportedly have 16 coaches with a total capacity of 823 passengers.

The rake is expected to comprise:

• 11 AC 3-tier coaches
• Four AC 2-tier coaches
• One First AC coach

The train will also feature the modern amenities associated with Vande Bharat services. Northern Railway is expected to undertake its primary maintenance.

Prayagraj and Kanpur to benefit from overnight service

The proposed route would connect three major destinations: Delhi, Prayagraj and Varanasi, through an overnight service, with Kanpur also included on the route.

Praveen Patel, a member of the Zonal Railway Users' Consultative Committee (ZRUCC), NCR, said the indigenously developed Sleeper Vande Bharat could make travel between Delhi, Prayagraj and Varanasi more convenient while reducing effective travel time.

Second Sleeper Vande Bharat service planned

The proposed Delhi-Varanasi service would be the second Sleeper Vande Bharat operation planned by Indian Railways, following the Howrah-Kamakhya route, according to the TOI report.

Railway Board yet to confirm final details

Despite the proposed launch timeline, several details are still pending. The Railway Board has not yet announced the train number, fare structure or confirmed date for regular operations.

The final schedule and operating speed are also expected to depend on the outcome of trials and the necessary operational approvals.


Inputs from TOI & agencies