Vande Bharat sleeper to have no RAC; Mumbai-Bengaluru, Varanasi-Delhi services planned

Preparations are under way to start new Vande Bharat sleeper services on the Mumbai-Bengaluru and Varanasi-Delhi routes. Long-distance rail passengers have been talking about the trains, which offer overnight travel and morning arrival, category-wise fares and ticket booking rules. A key feature is that the train will have no RAC ticket facility. Passengers should still verify the regular service, timetable and fares on these routes against the Railways' official announcement.

According to reports, the Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat sleeper service is scheduled to be inaugurated on October 31, 2026, and the Mumbai-Bengaluru service on November 1, 2026. The trains could give long-distance travellers another option for overnight journeys.

The fare for the Vande Bharat sleeper depends on the distance and the class of ticket. According to available information, 3AC will cost Rs 2.40 per passenger per kilometre, and the fare band across all classes is Rs 2.40 to Rs 3.80 per kilometre. For a 1,000 km journey, the approximate 3AC fare would be Rs 2,400, with GST payable extra. This is only an estimate, so passengers should check the final charge for an actual journey based on distance, class and applicable tax.

The most important rule is that the Vande Bharat sleeper will not offer RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation). Passengers will therefore not have the option of travelling on a shared berth under RAC. Whether a waitlisted ticket is confirmed will depend on vacant berths and the reservation position.

On lower berths, it has been said that provision may be made under the rules applicable to senior citizens, women aged 45 and above, and pregnant women. Facilities for passengers with disabilities and their attendants apply as per the Railways' reservation rules. Actual availability will depend on the coach and the reservation rules.

The proposed Mumbai-Bengaluru timetable is as follows. The timings are as per the proposed schedule, and the final timetable for the regular service should be checked against the official announcement. The train from Mumbai is to leave at 8:10 pm and reach Bengaluru at 11:55 am the next day, a proposed journey time of 15 hours 45 minutes. The Bengaluru-Mumbai train is proposed to leave at 7:50 pm and arrive at 11:55 am the next day. The proposed stops are CSMT Mumbai, Kalyan, Pune, Solapur, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Guntakal, Anantapur and SMVT Bengaluru.

The proposal is to cover about 1,000 km on this route in 15 hours 45 minutes. However, some reports put the distance at 1,118 km, so the correct distance and journey time should be confirmed officially.

The proposed Varanasi-Delhi timetable is as follows. The train from Varanasi is to leave at 8:50 pm and reach the capital at 5:55 am the next day. It is to arrive at Prayagraj Junction at 10:35 pm and leave at 10:40 pm, and reach Kanpur Central at 12:40 am. The New Delhi-Varanasi train is to leave at 9:40 pm and reach Varanasi at 6:45 am the next day. On the return, it is to reach Prayagraj Junction at 4:45 am and leave at 4:50 am.

The route is expected to give those travelling between Prayagraj, Kanpur and Varanasi an additional option. People travelling for religious tourism, studies and work may also benefit.

On running days, the proposed timetable suggests the services could run six days a week. The Varanasi-Delhi service is proposed not to run on Saturdays. The running days for the Mumbai-Bengaluru route and the final timetable for both trains should be treated as firm only after the Railways' official announcement.

The Vande Bharat sleeper is expected to make overnight travel easier on key routes such as Mumbai-Bengaluru and Varanasi-Delhi. Before planning a journey, passengers should check the final timetable, stops, fare and ticket availability on the Railways' official booking system.