NEW DELHI: The Vande Bharat sleeper train service between Delhi and Varanasi is scheduled for inauguration on

NEW DELHI — The Vande Bharat sleeper train service between Delhi and Varanasi is scheduled for inauguration on October 31, 2026, covering a distance of approximately 760 kilometres. Operated by Northern Railways, the service is designed to provide high-speed overnight connectivity between the two cities.

The 16-coach train has a total passenger capacity of around 823 berths, distributed across 11 third AC coaches, four second AC coaches, and one first AC coach. Major stoppages along the route include Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, Aligarh, and Ghaziabad, offering travel options for passengers in these intermediate cities.

According to the operational schedule, the Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper (train number 27422) will depart New Delhi Railway Station at 09:40 pm and arrive at Varanasi Junction at 07:10 am the following morning. Along its northward journey, it will stop at Ghaziabad Junction (10:13 pm/10:15 pm), Aligarh Junction (11:20 pm/11:22 pm), Kanpur Central (02:45 am/02:50 am), and Prayगराज Junction (05:05 am/05:10 am).

The return service, the Varanasi-Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper (train number 27421), will depart Varanasi Junction at 08:50 pm and reach New Delhi Railway Station at 06:10 am. On this route, the train will halt at Prayagraj Junction (10:35 pm/10:40 pm), Kanpur Central (12:40 am/12:45 am), Aligarh Junction (03:55 am/03:57 am), and Ghaziabad Junction (05:25 am/05:27 am).

Engineered for a maximum operating speed of 180 kilometres per hour, the train features advanced suspension technology designed to minimise jerks at high speeds and reduce exterior noise inside the coaches.

Passenger amenities include enhanced lighting, sensor-based touch-free bio-toilets, and mobile and laptop charging ports in every coach. For safety and security, the rolling stock is equipped with the Kavach train protection system, surveillance cameras, fire detection systems, emergency lighting, and a facility for passengers to communicate directly with the train driver.