Delhi-Varanasi Sleeper Vande Bharat: New Overnight Train To Launch By Diwali

Indian Railways is preparing to offer a significant gift to rail passengers this Diwali season with the introduction of the second Sleeper Vande Bharat Express service in the country. This new overnight train is designed to connect the national capital, New Delhi, with the spiritual city of Varanasi, passing through the major industrial and administrative hubs of Kanpur and Prayagraj. The initiative aims to provide a high-speed, comfortable, and convenient travel option for passengers moving between Delhi and Eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Strategic Connectivity and Route Details

The proposed Sleeper Vande Bharat Express will bridge the distance between New Delhi and Varanasi via a route that includes strategic halts at Kanpur Central and Prayagraj. This connectivity is expected to benefit a large number of commuters, students, and business travelers who frequently travel on this busy corridor. By integrating Kanpur and Prayagraj into the schedule, the railway department is ensuring that the benefits of the modern Vande Bharat technology reach the heart of Uttar Pradesh. This service will serve as an additional and premium alternative to the existing trains on this route, catering specifically to those who prefer overnight journeys to save daytime for work or leisure.

Launch Timeline and Trial Phase

According to reports, Indian Railways is working on a plan to connect New Delhi and Varanasi with this second Sleeper Vande Bharat Express. The proposed overnight service is being targeted for a launch around the festival of Diwali. While the regular service is expected to commence during the festive season, the trial runs for the train are slated to begin as early as this month. However, it's important to note that the Railway Board has not yet officially announced the train number, the fare structure, or the exact date for the commencement of regular commercial operations. The finalization of these details will depend on the successful completion of trials and the subsequent operational clearances.

Proposed Schedule and Timings

The proposed schedule for the Delhi-Varanasi Sleeper Vande Bharat has been designed to maximize convenience for overnight travelers. According to the tentative timetable, the train is expected to depart from Varanasi Cantt at 9:20 PM. It will reach Prayagraj at 10:45 PM and then proceed to pass through Kanpur Central at 12:35 AM. The train is scheduled to arrive at New Delhi station at 5:00 AM the following morning. In the return direction, the service is proposed to depart from New Delhi at 9:20 PM and reach Varanasi at 5:00 AM the next day. This timing makes it an ideal choice for passengers from Delhi, Prayagraj, and Varanasi who wish to complete their journey while they sleep, arriving at their destination early in the morning.

Speed and Technical Specifications

One of the most significant features of this proposed train is its speed. The Sleeper Vande Bharat is expected to operate at speeds ranging from 130 km/h to 160 km/h. The actual operational speed will depend on the condition of the tracks and the progress made under the Indian Railways Mission Raftaar initiative. Higher speeds on the Delhi-Varanasi corridor will play a crucial role in reducing the overall travel time between these cities. However, the final speed and the resulting travel duration will be determined after the trials and based on the necessary operational approvals from the concerned authorities.

Coach Composition and Passenger Capacity

The proposed Sleeper Vande Bharat will be a 16-coach train with a total passenger capacity of 823 berths. The configuration of the train is designed to cater to different segments of travelers. Reports suggest that the train will include 11 AC 3-tier coaches, four AC 2-tier coaches, and one First AC coach. This variety in coach classes ensures that passengers have multiple options based on their comfort requirements and budget. Also, the train will be equipped with modern amenities synonymous with the Vande Bharat brand, ensuring a premium travel experience. The primary maintenance of this train is expected to be handled by the Northern Railway.

Impact on Regional Travel

The introduction of this overnight service will link three major cities—Delhi, Prayagraj, and Varanasi—along with Kanpur, creating a solid transport link. Praveen Patel, a member of the Zonal Railway Users Consultative Committee (ZRUCC) of the North Central Railway (NCR), stated that the indigenously built Sleeper Vande Bharat train could make travel between Delhi, Prayagraj, and Varanasi much more convenient and Importantly reduce travel time. This service marks the second such sleeper initiative by Indian Railways, following the Howrah-Kamakhya route. Despite the proposed launch deadline, several details such as the fare structure and the final schedule remain to be finalized by the Railway Board, pending trial results and operational clearances.