Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw will flag off the new Vande Bharat Sleeper Express services between Varanasi and New Delhi from Varanasi tomorrow, strengthening rail connectivity between the two cities and providing passengers with a faster overnight travel option.
The new services will strengthen inter-city connectivity and provide passengers with a modern, comfortable and efficient option for long-distance overnight travel, according to a press release by the Ministry of Railways.
The Varanasi-New Delhi service will depart at 20:50 and arrive in New Delhi at 06:10 the following morning. In the return direction, the train will leave New Delhi at 21:40 and reach Varanasi at 07:10 the next day.
Compared with the existing Shiv Ganga Express, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will reduce journey time by 55 minutes from Varanasi to New Delhi and by 35 minutes from New Delhi to Varanasi.
Connects Varanasi, Prayagraj and other major cities
The Vande Bharat Sleeper service will strengthen connectivity between Varanasi, one of India’s prominent spiritual and cultural destinations, and the national capital.
Varanasi attracts pilgrims, domestic and international tourists, students and other visitors throughout the year. Improved overnight connectivity with New Delhi will facilitate travel for religious, educational, professional, administrative and tourism-related purposes.
The train 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.
The service will operate six days a week, except Fridays for the Varanasi-originating service and Saturdays for the New Delhi-originating service.
The overnight schedule will enable passengers to travel in the evening and reach their destination the following morning. The service is expected to benefit pilgrims, tourists, students, working professionals and families travelling between eastern Uttar Pradesh and the national capital region.
Expansion of Vande Bharat Sleeper services
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 next-generation trains to additional regions.
The trains feature enhanced onboard amenities, advanced safety systems and specially designed sleeper accommodation to make long-distance overnight journeys more comfortable, reliable and passenger-centric.
Advanced technology and passenger amenities
Designed specifically for long-distance journeys, the Vande Bharat Sleeper combines modern technology, improved safety systems and passenger-friendly amenities. Its design focuses on sleeping arrangements, cleanliness, safety, accessibility and convenience.
Power and performance
• Regenerative braking for energy efficiency.
• Under-slung propulsion system.
• Advanced aerodynamic design, smoother acceleration and jerk-free ride.
Design and features
• Austenitic SS car body, meeting EN15227 crash standards.
• Fully sealed flexible gangway with quick release mechanism.
• Centrally controlled Single Leaf Automatic Sliding Plug Doors.
• Noise insulation and mitigation measures for silent saloon space.
• LED direct and indirect lighting.
• Sensor-based intercommunication door.
Safety and security
• Compliance with EN45545 HL3 grade Fire Safety standards.
• Fire barrier doors at end wall.
• Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS).
• Disaster management light.
• Smoke/Fire Detection System (FDS).
• CCTV cameras for safety and passenger surveillance.
• Passenger Alarm Emergency push button.
Comfort and convenience
• Ergonomically designed odour-free toilets with vacuum evacuation.
• Special berths and toilets for differently-abled passengers.
• Modern passenger amenities with spacious luggage room.
• Integrated BRL with 3-PIN charging socket and switch.
• Type A and C USB charging ports.
• PAPIS-based driver, guard and passenger communication system.
• Shower with hot water in First AC.
• Wi-Fi Router with Access Point Network.
• Air-conditioned Driver Cab and toilet for crew.
These features reflect Indian Railways’ focus on combining modern engineering with passenger comfort, safety, and operational efficiency.
-PIB Inputs
