Indian Railways to launch second Vande Bharat sleeper train on Delhi-Varanasi route

Indian Railways is gearing up to introduce its second Vande Bharat sleeper train, planned for the high-demand Delhi-Varanasi route as an overnight service. Travelling via Prayagraj and Kanpur, this semi-high-speed train is set to offer passengers a faster and much more comfortable journey between the national capital and the spiritual heart of Uttar Pradesh.

Proposed timings and route
Under the proposed schedule, the train will depart from Varanasi Cantt at 9.20 pm, reaching Prayagraj at 10.45 pm. It will then pass through Kanpur Central at 12.35 am before arriving at New Delhi at 5 am the following morning. On its return leg, the Vande Bharat sleeper will depart from New Delhi at 9.20 pm and reach Varanasi at 5 am. 

Coach composition and expected launch
The 16-coach rake will feature 11 AC 3-tier coaches, four AC 2-tier coaches, and one First AC coach, accommodating up to 823 passengers. It will offer all the premium, state-of-the-art amenities that the Vande Bharat brand is known for, ensuring a superior passenger experience.

Depending on track conditions and the progress of the Indian Railways' Mission Raftar project, the train is expected to run at speeds ranging from 130 km/h to 160 km/h. This is expected to drastically cut travel times between Delhi, Prayagraj, and Varanasi. Trial runs are slated to begin later this month, with officials aiming for a commercial launch around the Diwali festival. However, the Railway Board is yet to officially announce the final timetable, fares, and operational dates. This Delhi-Varanasi service will follow the country's first Vande Bharat sleeper train, which runs on the Howrah-Kamakhya route.