Indian Railways is planning to introduce a second sleeper Vande Bharat Express on the Delhi-Varanasi route, with the service expected to operate as an overnight train. The proposed train will connect New Delhi, Kanpur, Prayagraj and Varanasi, offering passengers a faster overnight travel option between the cities. Read on to know more.
Delhi-Varanasi To Add Second Sleeper Vande Bharat Express
According to reports by NDTV, under the proposed schedule, the train will depart from Varanasi Cantt at 9:20 pm and reach Prayagraj at around 10:45 pm. It will then pass through Kanpur Central at 12:35 am before reaching New Delhi at 5 am.
On the return journey, the proposed sleeper Vande Bharat will leave New Delhi at 9:20 pm and arrive in Varanasi at around 5 am. The proposed 16-coach train will have 11 AC three-tier coaches, four AC two-tier coaches and one First AC coach, with a total capacity of 823 passengers.
Like other Vande Bharat services, the sleeper train is expected to feature modern passenger amenities designed to make long-distance journeys more comfortable. Its overnight operation would also allow passengers to travel while sleeping and arrive at their destination early in the morning. The train is expected to operate at speeds of 130 kmph to 160 kmph, depending on track conditions and the progress of railway upgrades under the Mission Raftaar project. Higher operating speeds could further reduce travel time between Delhi, Prayagraj and Varanasi.
Also Read: 2 Vande Bharat Trains From Varanasi To Leave Earlier From Sept 2; Check New Timings
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train To Launch Around Diwali
Railway officials are reportedly targeting Diwali for the introduction of the new service, while trials could begin this month. However, the Railway Board has not yet announced the train number, final timetable, fares or confirmed date for regular operations. The final timings and operating speed are expected to depend on the outcome of trials and the required operational clearances.
Northern Railway will handle the primary maintenance of the proposed train. Praveen Patel, a member of the zonal railway users’ consultative committee (ZRUCC), NCR, said the indigenously developed sleeper Vande Bharat would make travel between Delhi, Prayagraj and Varanasi more convenient and reduce overall journey time, as reported by The Times of India.
Also Read: Vande Bharat From Shivamogga To Tirupati Via Bengaluru? Here’s How It Could Help
The proposed service would be the second sleeper Vande Bharat operation planned by Indian Railways, following the sleeper service planned for the Howrah-Kamakhya route.
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FAQs
What are the Vande Bharat routes?
India has over 79 operational Vande Bharat Express routes connecting major economic, cultural, and religious hubs across 23 states and union territories.
Is there any Vande Bharat from Delhi to Varanasi?
Yes, the 22436 Vande Bharat Express runs from New Delhi (NDLS) to Varanasi Junction (BSB).
Which is the fastest train from Delhi to Varanasi?
The fastest train from Delhi to Varanasi is the New Delhi - Varanasi Vande Bharat Express (Train 22436), which takes approximately 8 hours to complete the journey.