Delhi-Varanasi Sleeper Vande Bharat To Begin Trial Run Soon Ahead Of Diwali Rush; Check Route, Timings

Good news for commuters as Indian railways are preparing to introduce the country’s second sleeper Vande Bharat Express on the Delhi-Varanasi route, following the Howrah-Kamakhya train service. The railway administration is aiming to make the train operational by Diwali, with its much-awaited trial run expected to begin this month.

The semi-high-speed overnight service will pass through Prayagraj, also known as the Sangam city, and Kanpur. The train is expected to provide passengers with a faster and more comfortable travel option between Delhi and Varanasi.

According to Jagran.com, under the proposed schedule, the train will depart from Varanasi Cantt at 9:20 pm and reach Prayagraj at 10:45 pm. It will then arrive at Kanpur Central at 12:35 am before reaching New Delhi at 5 am.

On the return journey, the train will leave New Delhi at 9:20 pm and reach Varanasi at 5 am. Depending on track conditions and progress under the Mission Raftaar project, the sleeper Vande Bharat is expected to operate at speeds ranging from 130 to 160 kilometres per hour. This could significantly reduce travel time between the three major cities.

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Delhi-Varanasi Sleeper Vande Bharat: Check Stations

- New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS)

- Kanpur Central Railway Station (CNB)

- Prayagraj Junction Railway Station (PRYJ)

- Varanasi Junction/Cantt Railway Station (BSB)

The high-tech train will have a total of 16 coaches and a carrying capacity of 823 passengers. For passenger convenience, the rake will comprise 11 third-AC coaches, four second-AC coaches, and one first-AC coach. Northern Railway will be responsible for the train’s primary maintenance.

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According to Praveen Patel, a member of the Regional Rail Users’ Consultative Committee (ZRUCC), NCR, and a Member of Parliament, the introduction of this indigenously built sleeper train will improve connectivity between Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Delhi, making travel more convenient for passengers.

The Railway Board is yet to make an official announcement regarding the train number, ticket fares, and the date of commencement of regular services.