Railway Board Issues Timetable, Inauguration Expected on October 31

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Varanasi | October 28, 2026

The holy city of Kashi may soon receive a new addition to its railway connectivity. Preparations for the proposed Vande Bharat Sleeper Express between Varanasi and New Delhi have drawn attention, with a Railway Board circular dated October 27, 2026, detailing the proposed timetable, major stations, and operational arrangements for train numbers 27421 and 27422.

According to media reports, the inauguration of the train is expected to take place in Varanasi on October 31, 2026. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is reported to be likely to attend the ceremony and flag off the train. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is also expected to attend, according to reports. However, the final programme and the attendance of dignitaries should be confirmed through an official announcement.

Inauguration Ceremony May Take Place in Kashi on October 31

Reports regarding the proposed Vande Bharat Sleeper Express between Varanasi and New Delhi have indicated that an inauguration ceremony may be held in Varanasi on October 31. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw may flag off the train, while Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is also reported to be likely to attend the event.

If the inauguration takes place as proposed, it could mark an important development for rail passengers in Varanasi and surrounding areas. The final event schedule, the list of attending dignitaries, and the date on which regular passenger services will begin remain subject to official confirmation.

Train Proposed to Depart from Varanasi at Night

According to the available Railway Board circular, the proposed train number from Varanasi to New Delhi is 27421, while the return service from New Delhi to Varanasi is numbered 27422.

Under the proposed timetable, the train will depart from Varanasi at 8:50 PM and reach New Delhi the following morning. In the return direction, the train is scheduled to depart from New Delhi at 9:40 PM and arrive in Varanasi the next morning.

The proposed overnight schedule could be useful for working professionals, students, business travellers, and other passengers who want to travel at night and reach their destination in the morning. However, passen

Major Stations Include Prayagraj and Kanpur

The Railway Board circular mentions several important stations along the proposed route, including Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, Aligarh, and Ghaziabad. It also records a passing time at a location identified as CYZ.

According to the available timetable for train 27421, the train will depart from Varanasi at 8:50 PM, reach Prayagraj at 10:35 PM, and depart at 10:40 PM. It is scheduled to reach Kanpur Central at 12:40 AM and leave at 12:45 AM.

The timetable also includes timings for Aligarh and Ghaziabad before the train reaches New Delhi. For the return service, train 27422, the document lists timings for New Delhi, Ghaziabad, Aligarh, Kanpur Central, Prayagraj, and Varanasi.

Passengers should verify the final arrival and departure timings through the latest official railway timetable, as operational changes may be made before the service begins.

Proposed to Operate Six Days a Week

The circular mentions a six-day-a-week operating schedule for the service. According to the document, the train from Varanasi is proposed to operate on all days except Friday, while the train from New Delhi is proposed to operate on all days except Saturday.

This arrangement could provide passengers with an overnight travel option on most days of the week. Travellers should check the availability of the train for their specific journey date before booking tickets

Maintenance and Watering Arrangements

The Railway Board document also includes operational arrangements for the proposed service. Varanasi is listed as the primary maintenance location, while New Delhi is identified as the secondary maintenance location.

Prayagraj and Kanpur Central are also mentioned in connection with watering arrangements. These provisions are part of the operational planning required to maintain the train and prepare it for regular services.

Further details regarding maintenance, operational responsibilities, and service arrangements may be clarified by the Railways before regular operations begin.

How Could the Train Benefit Passengers?

A large number of passengers travel between Varanasi and New Delhi for employment, education, business, tourism, and religious visits. An overnight sleeper train could offer an additional option for people travelling between the two cities.

Passengers travelling from Prayagraj and Kanpur may also benefit from the proposed service, subject to the final timetable and confirmed stoppages.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper concept is intended for long-distance overnight travel. Details regarding the final coach configuration, passenger capacity, onboard facilities, and ticket prices should be confirmed through official railway information rather than assumed from the proposed timetable alone.

Ticket Booking and Regular Operations Await Confirmation

The Railway Board circular contains instructions concerning the commencement of the service from a suitable date. It also refers to the possibility of operating an inaugural service as a special train before linking it to regular operations.

This distinction is important because the inauguration date and the date on which tickets become available for regular passenger services may not necessarily be the same.

Passengers should wait for official announcements regarding ticket booking, fares, coach classes, and the final operating schedule. Once these details are published, travellers will be able to plan their journeys more accurately.

Conclusion

The proposed Vande Bharat Sleeper Express between Varanasi and New Delhi could introduce another overnight rail travel option for passengers travelling between Kashi and the national capital.

The available Railway Board circular lists train numbers 27421 and 27422, a proposed operating schedule, major stations, and maintenance arrangements. Media reports have indicated that the inauguration may take place in Varanasi on October 31, 2026, with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath potentially attending the event.

Passengers will now be looking for official confirmation regarding the inauguration, regular operations, ticket booking, and fares.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the available Railway Board circular and published media reports. The inauguration programme, attendance of dignitaries, final timetable, fares, and ticket-booking details should be verified through official Indian Railways announcements.