Indian Railways is set to expand its network of modern overnight rail services with the introduction of new Vande Bharat Sleeper Express trains connecting Varanasi with New Delhi. These services will further strengthen inter-city connectivity while offering passengers a modern, comfortable and efficient option for long-distance overnight travel.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister for Railways Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw will flag off new Vande Bharat Sleeper Express services between Varanasi and New Delhi from Varanasi tomorrow.
Following the introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper services on the Howrah-Guwahati corridor and the corresponding return journey in January 2026, the new services will extend the benefits of this next-generation train to additional regions. With enhanced onboard amenities, advanced safety features and thoughtfully designed sleeper accommodation, Indian Railways is working towards making long-distance overnight journeys more comfortable, reliable and passenger-centric.
Varanasi-New Delhi: Enhancing Connectivity Between a Major Pilgrimage Centre and the National Capital
The Vande Bharat Sleeper service between Varanasi and New Delhi will strengthen connectivity between one of India's most prominent spiritual and cultural destinations and the national capital.
Varanasi attracts pilgrims, domestic and international tourists, students and other visitors throughout the year. Improved overnight connectivity with New Delhi will provide greater convenience to passengers travelling for religious, educational, professional, administrative and tourism-related purposes.
The service will connect Varanasi, Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, Aligarh and Ghaziabad, before reaching New Delhi. These stations serve important urban centres and provide connectivity to surrounding districts, helping extend the benefits of modern rail travel to a wider passenger base.
The new service will depart Varanasi at 20:50 and arrive in New Delhi at 06:10 the following morning. In the return direction, it will depart New Delhi at 21:40 and reach Varanasi at 07:10 the following day.
Compared with the existing Shiv Ganga Express, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will reduce journey time from Varanasi to New Delhi by 55 minutes and from New Delhi to Varanasi by 35 minutes, offering passengers a faster overnight travel option in both directions.
The service will operate six days a week, except on Fridays for the Varanasi-originating service and on Saturdays for the New Delhi-originating service. The overnight schedule will allow passengers to travel during the evening and reach their destination the following morning, helping them make more effective use of their time. The service is expected to be particularly beneficial for pilgrims, tourists, students, working professionals and families who frequently travel between eastern Uttar Pradesh and the national capital region.
Vande Bharat Sleeper: A New Standard in Overnight Passenger Travel
Designed specifically for long-distance journeys, the Vande Bharat Sleeper combines modern technology, improved safety systems and passenger-friendly amenities to enhance the overnight travel experience. Its design focuses on providing a comfortable environment for passengers travelling over extended distances, with particular attention to sleeping arrangements, cleanliness, safety, accessibility and convenience.
Regenerative braking for energy efficiency
Advanced aerodynamic design, smoother acceleration and jerk-free ride
Austenitic SS car body, meeting EN15227 crash standards
Fully sealed flexible gangway with quick release mechanism
Centrally controlled Single Leaf Automatic Sliding Plug Doors
Noise insulation and mitigation measures for silent saloon space
Compliant with EN45545 HL3 grade Fire Safety standards
CCTVs for safety and passenger surveillance
Ergonomically designed odour free toilets with vacuum evacuation
Special berths and toilets for differently-abled
Modern passenger amenities with spacious luggage room
Integrated BRL with 3-PIN charging socket & switch
PAPIS based driver / guard / passenger communication system
Air-conditioned Driver Cab & toilet for crew
These features reflect Indian Railways' commitment to combining modern engineering with passenger comfort, safety and operational efficiency.
Dharmendra Tewari/ Dr. Nayan Solanki/ Ritu Raj/ Vanshita Jaiswal