Varanasi-Delhi overnight Vande Bharat Sleeper train to be launched on October 31

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw will flag off new Vande Bharat Sleeper Express services between Varanasi and New Delhi from Varanasi tomorrow.

Announcing the flagging-off event, the Railway Ministry said on Friday that 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.

“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,” a ministry’s press statement said.

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,” the ministry added.

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 8.50 pm and arrive in New Delhi at 6.10 am the following morning. In the return direction, it will depart New Delhi at 9.40 pm and reach Varanasi at 7.10 am 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 Ministry said.

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.

Officials said that 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.

Highlighting its modern amenities and features, the ministry said, “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.”

with inputs from PTI