The Varanasi Vande Bharat sleeper is set for its inaugural run on 31 October, according to a news agency report. The overnight train will link New Delhi and Varanasi in about nine hours. However, fares and the full commercial schedule were not yet public at the time of writing.
Quick answer
- Train numbers: 27421 (Varanasi to New Delhi) and 27422 (New Delhi to Varanasi).
- Reported timings: 27422 leaves New Delhi at 9:40 pm and reaches Varanasi at 6:45 am.
- Return: 27421 leaves Varanasi at 8:50 pm and reaches New Delhi at 6:10 am.
- Classes: First AC, AC 2 Tier and AC 3 Tier, with 823 berths.
- Fares: not announced yet.
Train numbers and timings
A Railway Board notification dated 27 October gives the numbers 27421 and 27422, as per the agency report. Swarajya adds the timings above and a distance of about 966 km. So the journey takes roughly nine hours.
The service is expected to run six days a week. Reportedly, there is no departure from New Delhi on Fridays and none from Varanasi on Saturdays. Swarajya also notes that regular operations remain subject to final clearance.
Stops on the route
Reports agree on Prayagraj and Kanpur Central. The agency report also lists Aligarh and Ghaziabad. Because the lists differ, check the stop list on the IRCTC app or the National Train Enquiry System once booking opens.
Coaches, berths and speed
The rake has 16 air-conditioned coaches with 823 berths. That includes 24 in First AC, 188 in AC 2 Tier and 611 in AC 3 Tier. The train has been tested at 180 km/h and will run at up to 160 km/h in service.
Onboard, the agency report lists sealed gangways, vacuum toilets and mini-pantries. It also mentions KAVACH train protection, CCTV and fire-suppression systems.
What travellers should do now
First, wait for the official fares and booking dates before planning around this train. Then compare it with existing overnight options on the same corridor. Meanwhile, remember that a first run is often a ceremonial service, so the public timetable can differ.
Elsepost has also covered the Bengaluru to Mumbai Vande Bharat sleeper, if you want to see how the new overnight format is spreading.
FAQ
What are the Varanasi Vande Bharat sleeper train numbers?
They are 27421 from Varanasi to New Delhi and 27422 from New Delhi to Varanasi. The numbers come from a Railway Board notification dated 27 October.
When does the Varanasi Vande Bharat sleeper start?
The inaugural run is expected on 31 October. The Railway Minister and the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister are reported to flag it off.
How long does the journey take?
Reported timings give roughly nine hours over about 966 km. Departures are at night and arrivals are early morning.