The proposed Vande Bharat Sleeper service between Varanasi and New Delhi could begin operations on October 31, according to a report published by UNI on October 26. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is expected to flag off the train from Varanasi, although the Railways has not yet made a formal announcement confirming the launch.
The overnight service is expected to offer passengers a premium travel option between the two cities. However, the launch date, schedule and other operational details should be treated as provisional until Indian Railways releases an official notification.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Route and Train Numbers
According to reports, the proposed service will operate under train numbers 27421 and 27422. The train is expected to have two intermediate stops between Varanasi and New Delhi: Prayagraj Junction and Kanpur Central.
Previous reports published in September and early October mentioned different dates and timings. Passengers should therefore wait for the final schedule before making travel arrangements.
Expected Timings Between Delhi and Varanasi
Dainik Jagran has reported that train number 27422 could depart from New Delhi at 9:40 pm. It is expected to reach Prayagraj Junction at 4:45 am before arriving in Varanasi at 6:45 am.
These timings have not yet been confirmed through a Railway Board notification. The final departure and arrival times may be clarified when the Railways announces the service officially.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Coaches and Berth Availability
The planned Vande Bharat Sleeper train is expected to operate with a 16-coach rake. Business Today has described the proposed configuration as having approximately 823 passenger berths.
HelloRail has also reported a “zero waitlist, zero RAC” arrangement for the service. Under this reported rule, passengers would need confirmed berths to board, rather than travelling on waitlisted or Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) tickets.
Travellers should verify the applicable booking rules and berth availability through official railway channels once reservations open.
Disclaimer: This article is based on media reports about a proposed Vande Bharat Sleeper service. The launch date, train timings, coach capacity and ticketing rules have not been officially confirmed in the information cited here. Passengers should check announcements from Indian Railways, the Railway Board and IRCTC for the latest verified details before planning their journey.