New Delhi–Varanasi Vande Bharat Express

Not to be confused with Varanasi–New Delhi Vande Bharat Express, India's 35th semi high-speed Vande Bharat Express train.

The 22435 / 22436 New Delhi - Varanasi Jn Vande Bharat Express is India's 1st semi-high speed, electric multiple unit train, connecting the states of New Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

New Delhi - Varanasi Junction Vande Bharat Express
Overview
Service type	Vande Bharat Express
Locale	Delhi and Uttar Pradesh
First service	15 February 2019; 5 years ago (2019-02-15)
Current operator(s)	Northern Railways (NR)
Route
Termini	New Delhi (NDLS) Varanasi Junction (BSB)
Stops	2
Distance travelled	759 km (472 mi)
Average journey time	08 hrs
Service frequency	Six days a week [a]
Train number(s)	22436 / 22435
Line(s) used	Delhi–Kanpur section Kanpur–DDU section (till Prayagraj Jn) Prayagraj–Varanasi line (via Gyanpur Road)
On-board services
Class(es)	AC Chair Car, AC Executive Chair Car
Seating arrangements	Airline style Rotatable seats
Sleeping arrangements	No
Auto-rack arrangements	No
Catering facilities	Yes
Observation facilities	Large windows
Entertainment facilities	On-board WiFi Infotainment System
Baggage facilities	Overhead racks
Technical
Rolling stock	Vande Bharat 1.0 Vande Bharat 2.0[1]
Track gauge	1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in)
Electrification	25 kV 50 Hz AC
Operating speed	130 km/h (81 mph)
Average length	480 metres (1,570 ft) (20 coaches)
Track owner(s)	Indian Railways
Rake maintenance	New Delhi (Shakur Basti DEMU Care Center)
Route map Legend 22436 ↓ New Delhi New Delhi Uttar Pradesh border Kanpur Central Prayagraj Junction 22435 ↑ Varanasi Junction

Overview

This train is operated by Indian Railways, connecting New Delhi, Kanpur Central, Prayagaraj Jn, and Varanasi Jn. It is currently operated with train numbers 22436/22435 on 6 days a week basis.^[2][3][4]

Rakes

Initially the 1st generation Vande Bharat trainset were used, later they were replaced by the 2nd generation Vande Bharat trainset.^[5] On September 16th 2024 it was given the new 3rd generation Vande Bharat trainset having 20 coaches.^[6]

Service

The 22435/22436 New Delhi - Varanasi Jn Vande Bharat Express operates 6 days a week, covering a distance of 759 km (472 mi) in a travel time of 8hrs with an average speed of 95 km/h (59 mph), making it the fastest passenger in the Indian Railways network. The Maximum Permissible is 130 km/h (81 mph).^[7]

Incidents

A day after the train's launch, it hit a cow when returning from Varanasi. This incident took place at Barhan, 15 km from Tundla in Uttar Pradesh. It was reported as a case of skidding wheels after the train ran over a cattle.^[8]

See also

• Varanasi–New Delhi Vande Bharat Express
• Vande Bharat Express
• Tejas Express
• Gatimaan Express
• New Delhi railway station
• Varanasi Junction railway station

Notes

1. Except Thursdays

References

1. "Upgraded Vande Bharat 2.0 starts playing between Delhi and Varanasi". Hindustan Times. 22 March 2023.
2. K, K. "22436/New Delhi - Varanasi Vande Bharat Express - New Delhi to Varanasi NR/Northern Zone - Railway Enquiry". indiarailinfo.com. Retrieved 15 December 2022.
3. K, K. "22435/Varanasi - New Delhi Vande Bharat Express - Varanasi to New Delhi NR/Northern Zone - Railway Enquiry". indiarailinfo.com. Retrieved 15 December 2022.
4. Shah, Narendra (15 February 2019). "PM Modi flags off engine-less Vande Bharat Express". Metro Rail News. Retrieved 16 December 2022.
5. "Upgraded Vande Bharat 2.0 starts plying between Delhi and Varanasi". Hindustan Times. 22 March 2023. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
6. "PM Narendra Modi to flag off 6 new Vande Bharat trains today 20 coach Varanasi-Delhi train included". Zee business. 16 September 2024.
7. "IRCTC Vande Bharat Express (Delhi-Varanasi Train 18): Train ticket, fare, route, timings, schedule, time table". www.timesnownews.com. 17 February 2019. Retrieved 16 December 2022.
8. Bhargava, Yuthika (16 February 2019). "Vande Bharat Express breaks down on return journey to Delhi". The Hindu. Retrieved 26 May 2023.