Indian Railways is preparing to add another Sleeper Vande Bharat service to one of the country’s busiest travel corridors. According to a recent Times of India report, a second Sleeper Vande Bharat is being planned between Delhi and Varanasi. As per reports, the train will pass through Kanpur and Prayagraj, potentially giving travellers a new overnight option between the national capital and Uttar Pradesh’s major cultural destinations. The Vande Bharat Sleeper is designed to make long-distance rail travel more comfortable for passengers.The Railway Ministry in April 2026 said that the New Delhi–Varanasi route had already carried more than 73 lakh passengers, making it the busiest Vande Bharat route.Let’s find out more about this new upcoming train service:A convenient and modern overnight Delhi–Varanasi option
Vande Bharat Sleeper (X)
According to the proposed schedule reported by railway officials, the train would leave Varanasi Cantt at around 9:20 PM and reach Prayagraj at approximately 10:45 PM. It would then pass through Kanpur Central around 12:35 AM, before reaching New Delhi at about 5 AM.In the opposite direction, the proposed train would depart New Delhi at around 9:20 PM and reach Varanasi at 5 AM the following morningHowever, these timings are proposed rather than final. The Railway Board has not yet announced the confirmed timetable, train number, fare or date.A 16-coach train with three classesThe proposed Delhi–Varanasi service is expected to use a 16-coach Sleeper Vande Bharat, according to reports. The train will feature:
- 11 AC 3-tier coaches
- Four AC 2-tier coaches
- One First AC coach
- Capacity: 823 passengers
The Sleeper Vande Bharat itself has been developed as a fully air-conditioned train, with ergonomically designed berths intended to make overnight travel easier. The Railway Ministry has specifically highlighted the ergonomically designed ladder for upper berthsAccording to government’s official website, the sleeper coaches feature:
Vande Bharat Pantry (X)
- Jerk-Free Semi permanent couplers and Anti Climbers.
- KAVACH for added security
- Operating speed of 160 km/hr to 180 km/hr highest.
- Fire barrier doors
- Centrally controlled Automatic Plug Doors
- CCTVs in all coaches.
- Emergency talk-back unit
- For Divyangjan passengers, a special lavatory in the driving coaches on each end.
- Ergonomically designed ladder for ease of climbing onto upper berths.
Interiors
Interiors
The interiors are among the biggest changes. When the Sleeper Vande Bharat was first showcased, the Railway Ministry highlighted its modern interiors, comfortable berths, improved lighting and passenger-friendly fittings.For families travelling overnight, the difference could be particularly noticeable as passengers can settle into their berths after boarding instead of spending the night in a conventional sitting arrangement before converting the seats into sleeping spaces.Modern toilets and CCTV
Vande Bharat sleeper toilet
The train’s washrooms have also received wide attention. The Railway Ministry says the Sleeper Vande Bharat is equipped with modern toilets, while its coaches incorporate systems aimed at improving hygiene and passenger comfort. There are also CCTV cameras in all coaches, another best feature of the train.For now, the key attraction is not simply about travelling faster. It represents Indian Railways’ attempt to make the overnight train itself a more comfortable part of the journey.