Railway officials are reportedly considering introducing the service before Diwali, reported The Times of India.
The Railway Board has yet to announce the train number, fare structure or date for regular operations.
Proposed route and timings
According to the proposed schedule, the sleeper Vande Bharat is likely to depart from Varanasi Cantt at 9:20 pm and reach Prayagraj at 10:45 pm. It will then pass through Kanpur Central at 12:35 am before reaching New Delhi at 5 am.
On the return journey, the train is proposed to leave New Delhi at 9:20 pm and reach Varanasi at 5 am. The final timings may change depending on the outcome of the trial run and the required operational clearances.
Speed could go up to 160 kmph
The proposed sleeper Vande Bharat is expected to operate at speeds ranging between 130 kmph and 160 kmph, depending on track conditions and progress under the Mission Raftaar project. The higher operating speed is expected to reduce the travel time between Delhi, Prayagraj and Varanasi.
16-coach train with 823-passenger capacity
The proposed train will have 16 coaches with a total passenger capacity of 823. The rake will comprise: 11 AC three-tier coaches, 4 AC two-tier coaches and 1 First AC coach.
The train will also feature modern amenities associated with Vande Bharat services, while its primary maintenance is expected to be handled by Northern Railway.
Second Sleeper Vande Bharat service
The proposed Delhi-Varanasi service would be the second sleeper Vande Bharat operation planned by Indian Railways, following the Howrah-Kamakhya route. The Railway Board is yet to announce the train number, fare and regular service date. The final schedule and operating speed will also depend on the results of the trial and subsequent operational approvals.
Vande Bharat sleeper trainset
The sleeper Vande Bharat trainsets are being manufactured as part of an India-Russia joint venture between Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) and Russian company Transmashholding (TMH).
The two companies have formed Kinnet Railway Solutions Limited, which is set to manufacture 120 Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets, each comprising 16 coaches, at its factory in Marathwada, Maharashtra., according to PTI.
Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the RVNL stall at the Innoprom exhibition at Bharat Mandapam, where they saw a model of the Vande Bharat sleeper trainset.
