New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off the second Vande Bharat Sleeper train, connecting Varanasi, also known as Kashi, with New Delhi, describing the launch as a historic day for rail passengers.
The new service will operate between Varanasi and the national capital via Prayagraj and Kanpur Central. Modi said the train would offer faster travel, modern amenities and enhanced safety features.
In a post on X, the prime minister said the service would reduce travel time and improve the journey experience for passengers.
"Today is a historic day for those travelling by rail between Delhi and Kashi. With the launch of the Kashi-Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, not only will there be a saving of time, but their experience is also set to improve. Equipped with modern amenities and a state-of-the-art safety system, this is the country's second Vande Bharat Sleeper Train," he wrote.
दिल्ली और काशी के बीच रेल यात्रा करने वालों के लिए आज का दिन ऐतिहासिक है। काशी-दिल्ली वंदे भारत स्लीपर ट्रेन शुरू होने से समय की बचत के साथ ही उनका अनुभव बेहतर होने वाला है।आधुनिक सुविधाओं और अत्याधुनिक सुरक्षा प्रणाली से सुसज्जित यह देश की दूसरी वंदे भारत स्लीपर ट्रेन है।
In another post, Modi said the service would make travel more convenient for devotees, tourists, young people and business travellers.
"The Vande Bharat Sleeper train running from Kashi to Prayagraj, via Kanpur Central, to Delhi will make travel convenient for millions of devotees, tourists, youth, and businesspeople," he said.
Highlighting the route's religious and cultural significance, he said the train would connect faith with opportunity and tradition with modernity.
"Whether it's a darshan of Baba Vishwanath or a journey to the Sangam, this train will connect faith with opportunity and tradition with modernity. Heartfelt best wishes to everyone for this new rail service!" he added.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also flagged off the new Vande Bharat Sleeper Express service from Varanasi on Saturday.
The launch follows the introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper services on the Howrah-Guwahati corridor and the corresponding return journey in January 2026.
The latest service extends the next-generation sleeper train network to another region. With enhanced onboard amenities, advanced safety features and sleeper accommodation, Indian Railways aims to make long-distance overnight journeys more comfortable and passenger-friendly.
The Varanasi-New Delhi service is expected to strengthen rail connectivity between one of India's prominent spiritual and cultural destinations and the national capital.