Two New Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains in the Pipeline: Check Routes, Timings, Stoppages and Expected Fares for Varanasi–Delhi and Mumbai–Bengaluru

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New Delhi: Indian Railways is preparing to introduce two new Vande Bharat Sleeper train services to make long-distance rail travel more comfortable. The proposed services include one train between Varanasi and New Delhi and another connecting Mumbai and Bengaluru. These trains are expected to provide passengers with an additional overnight travel option, potentially allowing them to reach their destinations the following morning.

According to available information, the inauguration of the Mumbai–Bengaluru service is proposed for October 31, 2026, while the Varanasi–New Delhi service is expected to be inaugurated on November 1, 2026. However, official confirmation regarding regular operations and the final timetable is still awaited.

1. Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Between Varanasi and New Delhi

The proposed Vande Bharat Sleeper service could be a convenient option for passengers travelling between Kashi and the national capital. The service is expected to improve rail connectivity between Varanasi, Prayagraj, Kanpur and Delhi.

Religious travellers, students, working professionals and businesspeople could benefit from this service. An overnight journey followed by an early-morning arrival in Delhi could help passengers save valuable travel time.

Proposed Route and Timings: Varanasi–Delhi

According to the proposed timetable, train number 27421 may depart from Varanasi Junction at 8:50 PM. It is expected to reach Prayagraj Junction at 10:35 PM, with a five-minute halt before departing at 10:40 PM.

The train may reach Kanpur Central at 12:40 AM and arrive at New Delhi Railway Station at 5:55 AM the following day.

For the return journey, train number 27422 is reportedly scheduled to depart from New Delhi at 9:40 PM and reach Varanasi at 6:45 AM the next morning. A halt at Prayagraj is also proposed for the return service.

The train may operate six days a week, except Saturday. Passengers should check the official railway timetable before making travel plans.

2. Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Between Mumbai and Bengaluru

The second proposed Vande Bharat Sleeper service is expected to connect two major cities in Maharashtra and Karnataka. The planned route runs from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai to Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) in Bengaluru.

The total distance on this route is reported to be approximately 1,120 kilometres. According to the proposed schedule, the journey could take around 15 hours and 45 minutes, potentially reducing travel time compared with some existing express services.

Mumbai–Bengaluru Route and Expected Timings

The proposed route includes stations such as Kalyan, Pune, Solapur, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Guntakal and Anantapur.

According to the tentative schedule, the train may depart from Mumbai at 8:10 PM and reach Bengaluru at 11:55 AM the following day.

For the return journey, the train is proposed to depart from Bengaluru at 7:50 PM and arrive in Mumbai at 11:55 AM the next day.

This service could benefit working professionals, business travellers, students and tourists travelling between the two cities. The final operating schedule will become clear after an official railway announcement.

3. What Will Be the Fare for Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains?

Passengers are keen to know the ticket prices for the proposed Vande Bharat Sleeper services. According to the available information, fares will depend on the distance travelled and the class selected.

The reported fare structure includes indicative rates ranging from approximately ₹2.40 to ₹3.80 per passenger per kilometre for different classes.

For example, at a rate of ₹2.40 per passenger per kilometre, a 1,000-kilometre journey in 3AC would have an indicative base fare of ₹2,400. GST and other applicable charges would be additional.

The actual ticket prices for the Varanasi–Delhi and Mumbai–Bengaluru routes will depend on the final distance-based fare structure and the applicable railway rules. Passengers should check official booking information for confirmed fares.

4. Will RAC Tickets Be Available on Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains?

According to the proposed arrangements, the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains may not offer the RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) facility. However, waitlisted tickets may be confirmed if seats become available, subject to availability and applicable railway rules.

The reported arrangements also include lower-berth reservation provisions for senior citizens, women aged 45 years and above, and pregnant women. The number of such berths will depend on the coach category and the applicable allocation rules.

Reserved accommodation for passengers with disabilities and their escorts is also expected to be governed by the relevant railway provisions.

5. What Food Facilities Will Be Available?

Catering arrangements for the two proposed services are reportedly being worked out. Information indicates that the menu may be developed in coordination with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).

Passengers may also be offered regional food options. However, the final menu and catering facilities will be confirmed through official announcements.

6. How Will These Trains Benefit Passengers?

The introduction of two new Vande Bharat Sleeper services is expected to provide additional options for overnight long-distance travel.

On the Varanasi–Delhi route, religious travellers, students and business passengers could benefit from improved travel convenience. Meanwhile, the Mumbai–Bengaluru service could offer passengers another overnight option, potentially reducing travel time while providing a more comfortable journey.

The proposed sleeper services aim to improve the long-distance travel experience. If introduced as planned, they could expand the travel options available to passengers on both important railway corridors.

Important Note: The routes, timings, stoppages, fares and inauguration dates mentioned in this article are based on available reports. The final operational schedule and ticket details should be verified through official Indian Railways announcements before publication or travel.