A new Vande Bharat Sleeper train connecting Varanasi Cantt and New Delhi could begin operations on October 31, offering passengers a premium overnight travel option ahead of the festive season. According to an NDTV report, the service is expected to be flagged off by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
However, Indian Railways has not yet released the final timetable or official ticket prices. The proposed launch date and other service details remain subject to confirmation.
The train is expected to cover approximately 966 kilometres, passing through Prayagraj Junction and Kanpur Central. It is planned to operate six days a week, with Saturdays excluded.
The service would become India’s second Vande Bharat Sleeper train, following the Guwahati–Kolkata route. The proposed 16-coach configuration includes 11 AC 3-tier coaches, four AC 2-tier coaches and one First AC coach, offering a total of 825 berths.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Timetable: Expected Departure and Arrival Times
The provisional schedule indicates that the overnight journey between Varanasi and New Delhi could take approximately nine hours.
Varanasi to New Delhi
Train No. 27421 is expected to depart from Varanasi at 8:50 pm. It would stop at Prayagraj Junction from 10:35 pm to 10:40 pm and at Kanpur Central from 12:40 am to 12:45 am before reaching New Delhi at 5:55 am.
New Delhi to Varanasi
In the return direction, Train No. 27422 is likely to leave New Delhi at 9:40 pm. The proposed schedule includes a halt at Kanpur Central from 2:25 am to 2:30 am and another at Prayagraj Junction from 4:45 am to 4:50 am. The train is expected to arrive at Varanasi at 6:45 am.
These departure times, arrival times and stoppages are provisional. Passengers should check the final timetable released by Indian Railways before planning their journeys.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Ticket Prices: How Much Could Tickets Cost?
Indian Railways has not announced the official fares for the proposed Varanasi–New Delhi service. Early estimates suggest that ticket prices may vary according to the travel class and distance covered.
One estimate places the AC 3-tier fare at ₹2.40 per kilometre, excluding GST. Based on preliminary calculations, passengers could pay approximately ₹2,200–₹2,400 for AC 3-tier, ₹3,000–₹3,200 for AC 2-tier and ₹3,800–₹4,100 for First AC.
Other indicative estimates put the fares closer to ₹2,000 for AC 3-tier, ₹2,500 for AC 2-tier and ₹3,000 for First AC.
These figures are not confirmed ticket prices, and the estimates differ. Travellers should wait for the official fare chart on IRCTC or an announcement from the Railways before making booking plans.
Ticket Booking and Expected Benefits During the Festive Season
Ticket reservations are expected to begin around October 27 through IRCTC and railway reservation counters, once the final schedule is notified.
The proposed service could provide additional overnight travel capacity during Diwali and Chhath, when demand for journeys between Delhi, Prayagraj, Kanpur and Varanasi is expected to be significant. It would also offer pilgrims and tourists another premium option for travelling between the cities.
With an early-morning arrival in New Delhi and a proposed arrival in Varanasi before 7 am on the return journey, the train could make overnight travel more convenient for passengers. The actual benefits will depend on the final operating schedule and the service’s confirmed launch.
Disclaimer: This article is based on media reports and preliminary information about the proposed Vande Bharat Sleeper service. The launch date, timetable, stoppages, fares and booking dates have not been officially confirmed in the information provided. Passengers should consult Indian Railways and IRCTC for the latest verified details before booking tickets or making travel arrangements.