- Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper likely to launch on October 31.
- Train will run overnight via Prayagraj and Kanpur.
- Service expected to operate six days a week, no RAC tickets available
New Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper: Indian Railways is likely to launch the New Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper on October 31. The service will run via Prayagraj and Kanpur, giving passengers another way to travel between the national capital and eastern Uttar Pradesh. The train is expected to benefit business travellers, working professionals, students and pilgrims. Here’s a look at its proposed schedule, route, ticket fares and booking rules.
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Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper: Route And Timings
According to the proposed schedule, train number 27421 will leave Varanasi at 8:50 PM and reach Prayagraj Junction at 10:35 PM. After a five-minute halt, it will depart at 10:40 PM, arrive at Kanpur Central at 12:40 AM and finally reach New Delhi at 5:55 AM the next morning.
On the return journey, train number 27422 will depart from New Delhi at 9:40 PM and reach Prayagraj at 4:45 AM. After a short five-minute stop, it will continue and arrive in Varanasi at 6:45 AM.
A special rake is scheduled to leave Varanasi at 11 am on the inaugural day. Once regular operations begin, the service is expected to run six days a week, except Saturdays. The final timetable is still awaited.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Ticket Fare
The proposed fare for third AC (3AC) is Rs 2.40 per passenger per kilometre, excluding GST. For a journey of around 1,000 km, the indicative fare would be about Rs 2,400, excluding GST.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Booking Rules
Unlike many other Indian Railways services, the Vande Bharat Sleeper will not offer Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) tickets. Waiting-list passengers may still get confirmed berths if those holding confirmed reservations cancel their tickets.
Overall, the new service is expected to provide another overnight connection between Delhi and Varanasi, while also improving travel options for passengers boarding at Prayagraj and Kanpur.