New Delhi: In a major relief for passengers travelling to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar during the upcoming festive season, Indian Railways is preparing to launch a new Sleeper Vande Bharat Express on the New Delhi-Varanasi route. Expected to begin commercial operations around Diwali and Chhath Puja, the overnight service aims to manage the heavy holiday rush and significantly cut down travel time.
According to railway sources, the much-awaited train will reduce the journey between the national capital and the holy city to just eight hours, covering approximately 770 kilometres. Currently, regular superfast trains take up to 14 hours to cover the same distance. This proposed service will be the second Sleeper Vande Bharat operation planned by Indian Railways, following the Howrah-Kamakhya route.
The train will operate via the busy Delhi-Howrah corridor with scheduled halts at Kanpur Central and Prayagraj Junction. Based on the proposed timetable, the train will depart from New Delhi at 9:20 PM and arrive in Varanasi at 5:00 AM. On its return journey, it will leave Varanasi Cantt at 9:20 PM, reach Prayagraj at 10:45 PM, pass through Kanpur Central at 12:35 AM, and arrive in New Delhi at 5:00 AM.
Designed for overnight comfort, the 16-coach train will have a capacity of 823 passengers. It will feature 11 AC three-tier coaches, four AC two-tier coaches, and one First AC coach. The train will be equipped with modern amenities, including extra-cushioned wide berths, reading lights, charging sockets, sensor-based touch-free vacuum toilets, and automatic doors. For passenger safety, the rake will be fully integrated with the indigenous Kavach anti-collision system.
Operating at speeds between 130 kmph and 160 kmph depending on track conditions under the ‘Mission Raftaar’ initiative, the train is expected to transform regional connectivity. Praveen Patel, a member of the Zonal Railway Users’ Consultative Committee (ZRUCC), noted that the indigenously developed sleeper train would make travel between Delhi, Prayagraj, and Varanasi much more convenient while effectively reducing travel time.
Beyond Uttar Pradesh, the service is expected to benefit passengers from neighbouring districts in Bihar, including Buxar and Kaimur (Bhabua), offering an accessible transit option for those who struggle to find direct trains during the peak festive rush. While trials are expected to begin this month, the Railway Board is yet to officially announce the train number, fare structure, and final commencement date. Northern Railway will handle the primary maintenance of the rakes.