New Delhi–Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper Express Approved: Check Train Timings, Stoppages and Schedule
New Delhi, October 28, 2026 (Udaipur Kiran): Indian Railways has approved a new Vande Bharat Sleeper Express between New Delhi and Varanasi, offering overnight connectivity between the national capital and the holy city. The train will operate under numbers 27421 and 27422 and will stop at Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, Aligarh and Ghaziabad.
According to a Railway Board notification issued on October 27, the train’s inaugural run is scheduled for October 31. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath are expected to be associated with the inauguration.
The service is planned to run six days a week in both directions. However, the date for the start of regular operations has not yet been finalised. The Railway Board has directed the concerned railway zones to make the necessary arrangements for an early launch.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Express: Timings and Train Numbers
The Varanasi–New Delhi service will operate as train number 27421, while the return service from New Delhi to Varanasi will run as train number 27422.
- Train 27421: Departs Varanasi at 8:50 PM and arrives in New Delhi at 6:10 AM the next day.
- Train 27422: Departs New Delhi at 9:40 PM and arrives in Varanasi at 7:10 AM the next day.
The overnight schedule is intended to make travel between Delhi and major cities in Uttar Pradesh more convenient.
Varanasi to New Delhi Train Schedule: 27421
The train departing from Varanasi will stop at the following stations:
| Station | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|
| Varanasi | — | 8:50 PM |
| Prayagraj | 10:35 PM | 10:40 PM |
| Kanpur Central | 12:40 AM | 12:45 AM |
| Aligarh | 3:55 AM | 3:57 AM |
| Ghaziabad | Around 5:40 AM | 5:42 AM |
| New Delhi | 6:10 AM | — |
All timings after midnight are for the following calendar day.
New Delhi to Varanasi Train Schedule: 27422
The return service from New Delhi to Varanasi will follow this schedule:
| Station | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | — | 9:40 PM |
| Ghaziabad | 10:13 PM | 10:15 PM |
| Aligarh | 11:20 PM | 11:22 PM |
| Kanpur Central | 1:55 AM | 2:00 AM |
| Prayagraj | 5:05 AM | 5:10 AM |
| Varanasi | 7:10 AM | — |
All timings after midnight are for the following calendar day.
Which Days Will the Train Operate?
According to the Railway Board notification, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will run six days a week.
- The train departing from Varanasi will not operate on Fridays.
- The train departing from New Delhi will not operate on Saturdays.
Passengers should check the final operating timetable once regular services begin, as the launch date and operational details may be updated.
Maintenance Arrangements for the New Train
The Railway Board has specified that primary maintenance will be carried out in Varanasi, while secondary maintenance will take place in New Delhi.
Facilities for refilling water will also be arranged at Prayagraj and Kanpur Central. The concerned railway officials have been instructed to prepare for the service and ensure that information about the new train reaches passengers.
How the New Service Will Benefit Passengers
The new overnight service is expected to provide another travel option for passengers between New Delhi, Ghaziabad, Aligarh, Kanpur Central, Prayagraj and Varanasi.
With evening departures and morning arrivals, the train may be particularly useful for passengers who want to travel overnight. The introduction of the service will also strengthen rail connectivity between the national capital and important destinations in Uttar Pradesh.
FAQ Section
1. What are the train numbers of the new Vande Bharat Sleeper Express?
The Varanasi–New Delhi service will run as train number 27421, and the New Delhi–Varanasi service as train number 27422.
2. When is the new Vande Bharat Sleeper Express scheduled to be inaugurated?
The inaugural run is scheduled for October 31, 2026, according to the supplied information.
3. What time will train 27421 depart from Varanasi?
It will depart from Varanasi at 8:50 PM and reach New Delhi at 6:10 AM the next day.
4. What time will train 27422 leave New Delhi?
It will depart from New Delhi at 9:40 PM and arrive in Varanasi at 7:10 AM the next day.
5. Which stations will the train stop at between New Delhi and Varanasi?
The listed intermediate stops are Ghaziabad, Aligarh, Kanpur Central and Prayagraj.
6. On which days will the train not operate?
The Varanasi departure will not operate on Fridays, while the New Delhi departure will not operate on Saturdays.
7. Has the regular service start date been announced?
No. The Railway Board has approved the service and called for preparations to begin operations as soon as possible, but the regular start date has not yet been finalised.
8. Where will the train undergo maintenance?
Primary maintenance will be carried out in Varanasi and secondary maintenance in New Delhi. Water-refilling facilities will be available at Prayagraj and Kanpur Central.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.