Vande Bharat Sleeper Express Between Varanasi and New Delhi to Begin Regular Operations from November 2
Train Nos. 27421 and 27422 to operate six days a week; 16-coach train will cover the journey through Prayagraj, Kanpur, Aligarh and Ghaziabad
The regular service will follow the inauguration of the train, which was flagged off as a special inaugural service (Train No. 02527) on October 31, 2026. The introduction of the regular service is expected to strengthen overnight connectivity between Varanasi, Prayagraj, Kanpur, Aligarh, Ghaziabad and New Delhi.
According to the timetable released by the railway administration, Train No. 27421 Varanasi–New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will operate six days a week, except Fridays. Its corresponding return service, Train No. 27422 New Delhi–Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, will also run six days a week, except Saturdays.
The train has been designed to facilitate overnight journeys, allowing passengers to depart in the evening and reach their destination early the following morning. This schedule is expected to benefit pilgrims, tourists, business travellers, students, government officials and other passengers travelling between Varanasi and Delhi.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Express: Train Composition
The new Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will have a total of 16 coaches, all belonging to air-conditioned classes. The train composition will include:
| Coach Category | Number of Coaches |
|---|---|
| AC First Class | 1 |
| AC Second Class | 4 |
| AC Third Class | 11 |
| Total | 16 |
The three-class configuration is intended to offer different accommodation options to passengers undertaking overnight journeys.
Train No. 27421 Varanasi–New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper Express: Timings
Train No. 27421 will depart from Varanasi at 8:50 PM and reach New Delhi at 6:10 AM the following morning.
The detailed schedule of the train is as follows:
| Station | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|
| Varanasi | — | 8:50 PM |
| Prayagraj Junction | 10:35 PM | 10:40 PM |
| Kanpur Central | 12:40 AM | 12:45 AM |
| Aligarh Junction | 3:55 AM | 3:57 AM |
| Ghaziabad | 5:23 AM | 5:25 AM |
| New Delhi | 6:10 AM | — |
The train will cover the route through some of the most important railway stations in Uttar Pradesh before entering the National Capital Region.
After departing from Varanasi at 8:50 PM, the train will reach Prayagraj Junction at 10:35 PM and depart at 10:40 PM. It will subsequently arrive at Kanpur Central at 12:40 AM and leave at 12:45 AM.
The train will reach Aligarh Junction at 3:55 AM, with a scheduled two-minute halt, and arrive at Ghaziabad at 5:23 AM. After departing from Ghaziabad at 5:25 AM, it will reach New Delhi at 6:10 AM.
The overnight schedule will enable passengers from Varanasi and intermediate stations to reach Delhi early in the morning, providing additional time for business, professional, administrative and personal engagements.
Train No. 27422 New Delhi–Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper Express: Timings
The return service, Train No. 27422, will depart from New Delhi at 9:40 PM and reach Varanasi at 7:10 AM the following morning.
Its scheduled timings are:
| Station | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | — | 9:40 PM |
| Ghaziabad | 10:13 PM | 10:15 PM |
| Aligarh Junction | 11:20 PM | 11:22 PM |
| Kanpur Central | 2:45 AM | 2:50 AM |
| Prayagraj Junction | 5:05 AM | 5:10 AM |
| Varanasi | 7:10 AM | — |
The train will leave New Delhi at 9:40 PM and reach Ghaziabad at 10:13 PM, departing two minutes later. It will arrive at Aligarh Junction at 11:20 PM and depart at 11:22 PM.
After crossing into Uttar Pradesh, the train will reach Kanpur Central at 2:45 AM and leave at 2:50 AM. It will subsequently arrive at Prayagraj Junction at 5:05 AM and depart at 5:10 AM before reaching Varanasi at 7:10 AM.
The morning arrival at Varanasi is expected to be convenient for passengers returning from Delhi and other intermediate stations.
Six-Day Weekly Service to Improve Overnight Connectivity
The operating schedule has been planned to provide regular connectivity throughout the week, with one non-operating day for each direction.
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Varanasi to New Delhi: Train No. 27421 will operate from November 2, 2026, except Fridays.
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New Delhi to Varanasi: Train No. 27422 will operate from November 2, 2026, except Saturdays.
The introduction of the regular Vande Bharat Sleeper service marks an important addition to Indian Railways’ long-distance passenger services. Unlike daytime Vande Bharat Express trains, the sleeper version is specifically designed to provide overnight accommodation and facilitate longer journeys.
With scheduled halts at Prayagraj Junction, Kanpur Central, Aligarh Junction and Ghaziabad, the new service will connect several important urban centres along the Varanasi–New Delhi corridor.
The service is expected to provide passengers with an additional travel option while strengthening railway connectivity between eastern Uttar Pradesh, central Uttar Pradesh and the National Capital Region.
