Vande Bharat sleeper train begins operations between Delhi and Varanasi
The new overnight service includes stops at Ghaziabad, Aligarh, Kanpur Central and Prayagraj with three classes of AC travel.
The Vande Bharat sleeper train began operations between New Delhi and Varanasi on October 31, according to reports from Prabhat Khabar, Urban Acres and The Indian Express. The service provides an overnight rail option for passengers travelling through Uttar Pradesh and the National Capital Region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the launch as a historic step that would save travel time and improve the journey experience. He stated the service would connect faith with opportunity and tradition with modernity, making travel easier for those visiting the Kashi Vishwanath temple and the Sangam in Prayagraj.
The 16-coach train, developed by BEML using technology from the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), has a total capacity of 823 passengers. The composition includes 11 Third AC coaches, four Second AC coaches and one First AC coach. Fares are set at Rs 1,915 for Third AC, Rs 2,470 for Second AC and Rs 3,030 for First AC.
The train will halt at Ghaziabad, Aligarh, Kanpur Central and Prayagraj. Train number 27421 departs Varanasi Junction at 8:50 pm and reaches New Delhi at 6:10 am. The return service, train number 27422, departs New Delhi at 9:40 pm and is scheduled to reach Varanasi at 7:10 am.
The service will operate six days a week, excluding Fridays. While the inaugural special run occurred on October 31, Prabhat Khabar reported that regular commercial service is scheduled to start from November 2, 2026.