Indian Railways Is Trialling a Second Vande Bharat Sleeper, This Time Delhi–Varanasi

Indian Railways is preparing trial runs, expected later this month, for a proposed second Vande Bharat Sleeper service, this time linking New Delhi and Varanasi overnight via Prayagraj and Kanpur. If trials and clearances proceed on schedule, a commercial launch is being informally targeted around the Diwali festival period in 2026, though Indian Railways has not yet confirmed a fixed launch date or finalised fares.

The proposed route and timings

Under the schedule currently being discussed, the train would depart Varanasi Cantt around 9:20pm, reach Prayagraj by 10:45pm, pass through Kanpur Central around 12:35am and arrive into New Delhi by roughly 5am the following morning, with a mirrored return service departing Delhi at 9:20pm to reach Varanasi by 5am. These timings are provisional, drawn from the trial schedule under discussion, and not a confirmed public timetable.

What the train would offer

The proposed rake carries a 16-coach configuration reported as 11 AC three-tier coaches, four AC two-tier coaches and one first AC coach, with capacity for over 800 passengers. It would be India's second Vande Bharat Sleeper in commercial service, following the Howrah–Kamakhya route that began running in January 2026, and is expected to run at speeds of up to around 160 km/h on sections of upgraded track.

Why it matters for travellers

An overnight sleeper on this corridor would give travellers between Delhi and Varanasi, one of India's busiest pilgrimage and heritage routes, a faster and more comfortable alternative to existing overnight trains. Prayagraj and Kanpur travellers would also gain a same-train option along the corridor.

Traveller tips

• This service is still in trial and pre-launch stages; treat any specific date or fare mentioned online as provisional until Indian Railways issues an official notification.
• Bookings for existing Delhi–Varanasi overnight trains remain the reliable option until the new sleeper's commercial schedule is confirmed.
• Diwali 2026 falls in early November; if the informal target holds, festive-season demand on the route is likely to be high from day one.
• Check IRCTC and Indian Railways' official announcements directly closer to the date, since trial timelines for new train services commonly shift.