Indian Railways has approved a new daily express train between Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh and Sabarmati in Gujarat. The new 12206/12205 Varanasi–Sabarmati Express will connect important destinations across Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat, providing another travel option for passengers.
According to the Railway Board letter dated October 21, 2026, the train will operate daily with approved commercial stoppages at several important stations, including Mirzapur, Subedarganj, Govindpuri, Agra, Bharatpur, Jaipur, Ajmer, Abu Road, Palanpur and Mehsana.
The Railway Board has directed the concerned railway zones to introduce the service from an early convenient date. The confirmed starting date has not been specified in the letter.
12206/12205 Varanasi–Sabarmati Express: Overview
| Train Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Train number | 12206 / 12205 |
| Train name | Varanasi–Sabarmati Express |
| 12206 direction | Varanasi to Sabarmati |
| 12205 direction | Sabarmati to Varanasi |
| Frequency | Daily |
| Starting station | Varanasi |
| Destination station | Sabarmati |
| Coach type | LHB coaches |
| Approved rake provision | 3 LHB rakes |
| Primary maintenance | Varanasi |
| Watering stations | Govindpuri, Tundla, Jaipur and Ajmer |
| Confirmed start date | Not specified in the approval letter |
12206 Train Route: Varanasi to Sabarmati
Train number 12206 Varanasi–Sabarmati Express will run from Varanasi to Sabarmati via Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat.
The approved commercial stoppages listed in the Railway Board letter are:
- Mirzapur
- Subedarganj
- Govindpuri
- Tundla Junction
- Idgah Agra Junction
- Bharatpur
- Nadbai
- Kherli
- Mandawar Mahwa Road
- Bandikui Junction
- Gandhinagar Jaipur
- Jaipur
- Kishangarh
- Ajmer
- Beawar
- Marwar Junction
- Falna
- Abu Road
- Palanpur
- Mehsana
The train will start at Varanasi and terminate at Sabarmati.
This route will provide connectivity to passengers travelling between Varanasi, the Prayagraj and Kanpur areas, Agra, Jaipur, Ajmer and several cities in Gujarat.
12205 Train Route: Sabarmati to Varanasi
Train number 12205 Sabarmati–Varanasi Express will operate in the opposite direction, connecting Sabarmati with Varanasi.
The route includes the approved commercial stoppages at Mehsana, Palanpur, Abu Road, Falna, Marwar Junction, Beawar, Ajmer, Kishangarh, Jaipur, Gandhinagar Jaipur, Bandikui, Mandawar Mahwa Road, Kherli, Nadbai, Bharatpur, Idgah Agra Junction, Tundla, Govindpuri, Subedarganj and Mirzapur.
The train will start at Sabarmati and terminate at Varanasi.
12206 Train Time Table: Varanasi to Sabarmati
The Railway Board letter provides the following timings for train number 12206.
| Station | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|
| Varanasi | — | 17:30 |
| Bandikui | 08:23 | 08:25 |
| Palanpur | 17:50 | 17:52 |
| Sabarmati | 20:15 | — |
Important: The Bandikui timings are on the following day, while Palanpur and Sabarmati are reached later in the journey. The letter does not provide the complete arrival and departure timetable for every intermediate stoppage.
12205 Train Time Table: Sabarmati to Varanasi
The approved timings for train number 12205 are as follows.
| Station | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|
| Sabarmati | — | 05:20 |
| Palanpur | 07:18 | 07:20 |
| Bandikui | 16:38 | 16:40 |
| Varanasi | 06:30 | — |
The train is scheduled to reach Varanasi the following morning.
Passengers should check the final operational timetable before planning their journey.
Important Stoppages of the Varanasi–Sabarmati Express
The approved commercial stoppages include stations in three states.
Uttar Pradesh
- Mirzapur
- Subedarganj
- Govindpuri
- Tundla Junction
- Idgah Agra Junction
Rajasthan
- Bharatpur
- Nadbai
- Kherli
- Mandawar Mahwa Road
- Bandikui Junction
- Gandhinagar Jaipur
- Jaipur
- Kishangarh
- Ajmer
- Beawar
- Marwar Junction
- Falna
- Abu Road
Gujarat
- Palanpur
- Mehsana
The train’s originating and terminating stations are Varanasi and Sabarmati.
What Is the Frequency of Train 12206/12205?
The Railway Board has approved the Varanasi–Sabarmati Express as a daily train.
The concerned railway zones have been instructed to introduce the service from an early convenient date. The letter also states that the inaugural service may be planned as a special train if required.
LHB Coaches and Maintenance Details
The Railway Board letter specifies the following operational arrangements:
- Rakes: Three LHB rakes.
- Primary maintenance: Varanasi, with RBPC mentioned in the letter.
- Watering stations: Govindpuri, Tundla, Jaipur and Ajmer.
- Cleaning arrangements: Jaipur.
The final coach composition and availability of individual travel classes should be checked when official operational and reservation details are published.
When Will the Varanasi–Sabarmati Express Start?
The Railway Board has approved the introduction of trains 12206 and 12205 and asked the concerned railway zones to implement the service at an early convenient date.
However, the approval letter does not specify an exact commencement date. Passengers should wait for an official announcement confirming the first run and regular service schedule.
How to Check Ticket Availability
Passengers can check the train’s reservation status through the official IRCTC website or railway enquiry services after the service becomes available for booking.
- Visit the IRCTC website.
- Enter Varanasi and Sabarmati as the source and destination.
- Select the intended travel date.
- Search for train number 12206 or 12205.
- Check the available classes, fares and seat availability.
The approval letter does not confirm that ticket reservations have opened.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is train number 12206?
Train 12206 is the Varanasi–Sabarmati Express operating in the Varanasi-to-Sabarmati direction.
2. What is train number 12205?
Train 12205 is the Sabarmati–Varanasi Express operating in the Sabarmati-to-Varanasi direction.
3. What is the 12206 train route?
The approved route connects Varanasi and Sabarmati through commercial stoppages including Mirzapur, Subedarganj, Govindpuri, Tundla, Agra, Bharatpur, Bandikui, Jaipur, Ajmer, Abu Road, Palanpur and Mehsana.
4. What is the 12205 train time table?
The approval letter lists departure from Sabarmati at 05:20, Palanpur at 07:18–07:20, Bandikui at 16:38–16:40 and arrival at Varanasi at 06:30 the following morning.
5. What is the departure time of train 12206 from Varanasi?
The approved departure time is 17:30, or 5:30 PM.
6. What time does train 12206 reach Sabarmati?
The approval letter lists the scheduled arrival at Sabarmati at 20:15, or 8:15 PM.
7. Does the new Varanasi–Sabarmati train stop at Jaipur?
Yes. Jaipur and Gandhinagar Jaipur are both listed among the approved commercial stoppages.
8. Does the train stop at Ajmer?
Yes. Ajmer is an approved commercial stoppage in the Railway Board letter.
9. Will train 12206/12205 run daily?
Yes. The approved frequency is daily.
10. Has the train’s starting date been announced?
The approval letter does not specify the confirmed commencement date. Passengers should check official railway announcements for updates.
11. How many LHB rakes have been approved?
The Railway Board letter mentions three LHB rakes for the service.
12. Where will the train receive primary maintenance?
The letter specifies Varanasi as the primary maintenance location.
Conclusion
The approval of the 12206/12205 Varanasi–Sabarmati Express is an important development for passengers travelling between Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat. The daily service will connect major railway stations, including Jaipur, Ajmer, Abu Road, Palanpur and Mehsana.
Passengers looking for the 12206 train route, 12205 train route, Varanasi–Sabarmati Express timetable and stoppages can use the approved details above as an initial reference.
The final commencement date and complete operational timetable should be confirmed through official railway announcements.
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