Rail connectivity across Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat is set to receive a major boost with the introduction of a new daily superfast express service. Operating between Varanasi and Sabarmati, the service commences regular scheduled runs on November 2. The railway administration has released the comprehensive timetable, route plan, and coach setup for the convenience of long-distance commuters.
En Route Halts and Station Details
According to North Central Railway, the train will cater to several prominent commercial and transit hubs along its corridor. Within Uttar Pradesh, scheduled stops include Mirzapur, Subedarganj (Prayagraj), Govindpuri (Kanpur), Tundla Junction, and Idgah Agra Junction.
Entering Rajasthan, passengers can board or deboard at Bharatpur Junction, Nadbai, Kherli, Mandawar Mahwa Road, and Bandikui Junction. For passengers traveling to and from major urban centers, stops have been designated at Gandhinagar Jaipur, Jaipur Junction, Kishangarh, Madar Junction, and Ajmer Junction. The route further spans Beawar, Marwar Junction, Falna, and Abu Road. In Gujarat, the service halts at Palanpur Junction and Mehsana Junction prior to terminating at its final destination.
Coach Composition and Accommodation
To cater to diverse passenger preferences, the train will operate with a 21-coach configuration. North Central Railway confirmed that the composition includes 2 coaches of Second Class AC, alongside 6 coaches of Third Class AC for air-conditioned travel. Budget travelers are provided with 6 Sleeper Class coaches, while 5 General Class coaches are designated for unreserved passengers. The rake is completed by 2 SLR compartments for luggage and guard accommodation.
Timetable and Operational Routine
Operating as train number 12206, the Varanasi to Sabarmati Superfast Express is scheduled to depart Varanasi daily at 17:30 hours starting November 2. Following its inter-state run, it will reach Sabarmati at 20:15 hours the subsequent night.
On the reverse leg, train number 12205 operating from Sabarmati to Varanasi begins daily operations on November 4. It will depart Sabarmati at 05:20 hours each morning and arrive in Varanasi at 06:30 hours the following morning.
Varanasi-New Delhi Sleeper Service Rolled Out
In a related development on Saturday, October 31, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the country's second Vande Bharat sleeper rake connecting Varanasi with New Delhi. Regular commercial services for this semi-high-speed overnight train also commence on November 2.
Departing Varanasi at 20:50 hours, the Vande Bharat sleeper reaches New Delhi at 06:10 hours the next morning. The return trip leaves New Delhi at 21:40 hours and reaches Varanasi at 07:10 hours the next day, completing the journey in an operating time of 9 hours and 20 minutes.
