- Vande Bharat Sleeper train planned between New Delhi and Varanasi.
- Likely launch on October 12 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Revised schedule announced for festive season travel convenience.
New Delhi-Varanasi Sleeper Vande Bharat: Ahead of the prominent festivals, the Railways is reportedly planning to launch the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express between New Delhi and Varanasi via Prayagraj. The train is expected to provide major relief to the passengers of Uttar Pradesh during Diwali and Chhath Puja amid the huge rush. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to flag it off on October 12, the schedule has not been finalized yet.
Railways Changes Schedule
However, ahead of its operation, the schedule of train has been changed by the authorities. Earlier, the railways announced that the train would depart Varanasi at 9:20 pm, reach New Delhi at 5 am via Prayagraj (10:45 pm) and Kanpur (12:35 am), and return to Varanasi at 5 am. On the return journey, the sleeper train would depart Delhi at 9:20 pm, the officials added.
What Are Timings?
However, as per the new schedule, the train will depart Varanasi at 8:40 pm, reach New Delhi at 4:50 am via Prayagraj (10:05 pm) and Kanpur (11:50 pm). On its return journey, it will depart New Delhi at 11:25 pm, reach Varanasi at 7:35 am via Kanpur (3:30 am) and Prayagraj (5:38 am).
As per the available information, the train will cover the total distance in approximately eight hours and 10 minutes. The service will reportedly have a total of 823 berths, including 11 third-AC coaches, four second-AC coaches, and one first-AC coach. While the initial speed will be 130 km/h, which will later be increased to 160 km/h, reported Jagran.
Apart from this, the railways has announced several festival special trains operating through October and November. According to a report by Business Today, these additional services will connect key cities across northern, eastern, and southern India. For passengers travelling between Kanpur and Bengaluru, Indian Railways will operate the 04131/04132 Kanpur Central-SMVT Bengaluru Special.