Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the new Vande Bharat Sleeper train between Varanasi and New Delhi, a semi‑high‑speed service that will depart Varanasi at 8:50 pm and reach Delhi at 5:55 am the next morning. The return leg leaves Delhi at 9:40 pm, arriving in Varanasi at 6:45 am, covering 760 km in nine hours and 30 minutes. The 16‑coach train offers Third AC, Second AC and First AC accommodations and will operate six days a week, with a seventh day reserved for maintenance.
The Vande Bharat brand, first launched on the Howrah‑Kamakhya route, has carried over 9.1 crore passengers in 112 trips. On its first 119 trips, the Kamakhya‑Howrah sleeper service achieved 100 % occupancy, transporting 1.21 lakh passengers. Commercial fares for the new Delhi‑Varanasi service are expected to be marginally higher than existing trains on the corridor, reflecting upgraded amenities.
In addition to the sleeper service, two MEMU services will start the same day: one linking Varanasi with Prayagraj Rambagh and another connecting Varanasi City with Raja Talab. The launch is timed to coincide with the festive season, with Diwali and Chhath fast approaching, offering commuters a faster overnight option. Local daily commuters, such as a 45‑year‑old shopkeeper from Varanasi who travels to Delhi for business, have welcomed the new service, citing reduced travel time and increased comfort.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Railways is finalising the commercial circular for fares while preparing the Bengaluru‑Mumbai Vande Bharat route for launch next month. The new route, approved over six months ago, will follow similar specifications and is expected to add 1,400 km to the premium overnight network.
The service will be monitored closely over the first month of operation, with passenger feedback and ridership data shaping future expansions. The Ministry has promised annual reviews to ensure service quality meets the high expectations set by the Vande Bharat brand.