Delhi Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper Launch: Timings, Stops

The Vande Bharat Sleeper launch is here. India’s second Vande Bharat Sleeper train starts running between Varanasi and Delhi on Saturday, giving travellers a new overnight choice between the two cities.

Quick answer: Train 27421 leaves Varanasi at 8:50 pm and reaches New Delhi at 6:10 am. Train 27422 leaves New Delhi at 9:40 pm and reaches Varanasi at 7:10 am. It runs six days a week with First, Second and Third AC coaches, and fares are reported to start from Rs 1,819 plus GST.

Vande Bharat Sleeper launch: what happens on day one

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will flag off the train from Varanasi. On the inaugural day, a special run leaves Varanasi Junction at 4:30 pm. It is expected to reach New Delhi at 1:30 am.

Meanwhile, two new MEMU services also begin, on the Varanasi to Rajatalab and Banaras to Prayagraj Rambag routes.

Timings and days of operation

The service runs under two train numbers, one for each direction. Also, it operates six days a week, and each direction skips one day.

Train 27421, Varanasi to New Delhi: departs 8:50 pm, arrives 6:10 am the next day. No service on Fridays.
Train 27422, New Delhi to Varanasi: departs 9:40 pm, arrives 7:10 am the next day. No service on Saturdays.

The break is kept for maintenance, and that work will be done in Varanasi. For more on the stops and train numbers, see our Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper timings guide.

Route and stops

Then there is the route. The train has five stops between the two ends of the route. They are Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, Aligarh and Ghaziabad, along with the terminals at Varanasi and New Delhi. Also, water filling is planned at Prayagraj and Kanpur.

Fares and ticket rules

The train offers First AC, Second AC and Third AC. Reports say the cheapest fare starts at Rs 1,819, and GST is charged on top. The railway notification lists fares for each class, so check the booking page for the exact amount on your date.

There is one rule to remember. The train will not offer RAC, waitlisted or partially confirmed tickets. So if you want to travel, you need a confirmed berth. That is why early planning matters. Our note on IRCTC ticket cancellation charges and refund rules explains what happens if plans change.

Facilities on board

The train has 16 coaches and room for 823 passengers. It is designed to run at up to 160 kmph, with a maximum design speed of 180 kmph. These are the facilities listed so far:

CCTV cameras, fire detection and security alarms.
Automatic sensor doors, including doors between coaches.
Charging points and an individual reading light at each berth.
Infotainment screens and an emergency talk back system to reach the crew.
Western and Indian style bio toilets, with a shower in First AC.
Onboard catering with regional food, and facilities for differently abled passengers.

However, safety is not ignored, because the train also uses the indigenous Kavach protection system. Its suspension is designed to cut vibration, jerks and noise. If you want a closer look at the interiors, read our first look at the Vande Bharat Sleeper cabin.

Why this matters

Varanasi is one of the busiest pilgrim and tourist destinations in the country. First, a fast and comfortable night train means one less hotel night and a full day at your destination. It also shows how Indian Railways wants overnight travel to feel in the years ahead.

Still, before you plan, check the official Indian Railways website for the latest schedule and booking details.

FAQ

When does the Vande Bharat Sleeper between Varanasi and Delhi start?

The train is flagged off on Saturday from Varanasi. The inaugural special run leaves at 4:30 pm.

Which days does it run?

Six days a week. Train 27421 does not run on Fridays, and train 27422 does not run on Saturdays.