India's 2nd Sleeper Vande Bharat Arrives in Varanasi: Flag-Off on October 31
Marking a major breakthrough in overnight passenger rail transit across northern India, the brand-new rake of the country’s second semi-high-speed sleeper Vande Bharat Express arrived at Varanasi Junction on Friday evening. Dispatched directly from the Modern Coach Factory in Rae Bareli, the gleaming, aerodynamic train rolled onto platform number four at 8:00 PM, drawing enthusiastic crowds of passengers and railway staff eager to get a firsthand look at the indigenous sleeper coaches. Scheduled for an official inauguration on October 31, 2026, by Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, the state-of-the-art overnight express will link Kashi directly with the national capital of New Delhi, delivering an elevated long-distance travel experience that blends airline-like comfort with advanced railway engineering.
October 31 Mega Launch: Ashwini Vaishnaw and CM Yogi to Flag Off 4 Trains as DRM Reviews Readiness
Preparations are underway across the Varanasi railway division to finalize arrangements for the high-profile commissioning on October 31, where Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is also expected to join Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on the dais. The landmark launch will not be limited to the premium sleeper service alone; Indian Railways will concurrently flag off three additional services, including two high-density MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) trains designed to strengthen regional commuter transit. In anticipation of the event, Varanasi Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Ashish Jain conducted an extensive inspection of Varanasi Junction on Friday, reviewing passenger flow arrangements, technical servicing lines, and platform security to ensure seamless execution for the inaugural run.
16 Coaches, 160 Kmph Capability, and Key Halts: Inside the New Sleeper Transit Experience
Engineered for high-speed overnight intercity travel, the 16-coach Vande Bharat sleeper train is capable of operating at a top speed of 160 kmph, maintaining an average running speed of 130 kmph on the Varanasi–New Delhi trunk route. The train's passenger configuration includes 611 berths in AC 3-Tier, 188 berths in AC 2-Tier, and an exclusive First AC section, featuring ergonomic sleeping berths, automatic plug doors, sensor-based bio-vacuum toilets, and enhanced soundproofing for undisturbed sleep. Designed to serve major religious and commercial centers across Uttar Pradesh, the train will make designated commercial halts at Prayagraj and Kanpur before concluding its journey at New Delhi, offering pilgrims, corporate commuters, and tourists a rapid overnight connection between the spiritual capital and the national capital.
