Indian Railways is set to add another milestone to its railway modernization journey as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to virtually flag off the country’s second Vande Bharat Sleeper train on July 17, 2026. The new overnight premium train, officially named the Sant Ravidas Express, will connect Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh with Chheharta near Amritsar in Punjab.
The inauguration will take place from Jalandhar, where the Prime Minister will also inaugurate the redeveloped Jalandhar Railway Station. The launch of this train marks another significant step in expanding the Vande Bharat Sleeper network, aimed at providing faster, safer, and more comfortable overnight travel across India.
The Varanasi–Chheharta Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to improve rail connectivity between eastern Uttar Pradesh and Punjab while benefiting pilgrims, tourists, business travelers, students, and daily commuters.
Varanasi Chheharta Train Route and Details:
- Launch Date: July 17, 2026
- Flagged Off By: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Train Name: Sant Ravidas Express
- Train Numbers: 14623 / 14624
- Route: Varanasi – Chheharta (Near Amritsar)
- Train Type: Vande Bharat Sleeper Express
- Frequency: Tri-weekly
- Maintenance Depot: Chheharta
- Coach Type: LHB Sleeper Rakes (as per Railway Board communication)
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Timings
Train No. 14624 Chheharta–Varanasi Sant Ravidas Express
| Station | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|
| Chheharta | — | 2:05 PM |
| Amritsar | 2:25 PM | 2:30 PM |
| Lucknow | 7:25 AM | 7:35 AM |
| Varanasi | 12:15 PM | — |
Running Days
Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
Train No. 14623 Varanasi – Chheharta Sant Ravidas Express
| Station | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|
| Varanasi | — | 7:50 PM |
| Lucknow | 12:10 AM | 12:20 AM |
| Amritsar | 4:35 PM | 4:40 PM |
| Chheharta | 5:10 PM | — |
Running Days
Thursday, Saturday and Monday
Vande Bharat Sleeper Route and Stoppages
The Sant Ravidas Express will operate via one of the shortest rail corridors between Varanasi and Punjab.
Commercial Stoppages
- Chheharta
- Amritsar
- Jalandhar City
- Ludhiana
- Ambala Cantt
- Saharanpur
- Moradabad
- Bareilly
- Shahjahanpur
- Lucknow
- Sultanpur
- Jaunpur City
- Varanasi
This route will strengthen connectivity between Uttar Pradesh and Punjab while providing convenient overnight travel for passengers visiting important religious, commercial, and educational destinations.
Railway Board Approves Sant Ravidas Express
According to an official Railway Board communication issued on July 8, 2026, the Ministry of Railways has approved the introduction of Train No. 14623/14624 Chheharta – Varanasi Sant Ravidas Express.
The circular states that the train will operate as a tri-weekly service, with primary maintenance being carried out at Chheharta Coaching Depot.
The Railway Board has also designated the following stations for watering facilities:
- Ambala Cantt
- Moradabad
- Lucknow
The inaugural run may initially operate as a special service before being linked with its regular commercial schedule.
Why This Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is Important
The Varanasi – Chheharta Sant Ravidas Express is India’s second Vande Bharat Sleeper train, representing another important addition to the country’s next-generation long-distance rail network.
Unlike the chair car Vande Bharat trains designed for daytime journeys, the sleeper version is intended for overnight travel and is expected to offer a more comfortable experience through modern interiors, improved safety systems, enhanced ride quality, and premium passenger amenities.
The train is also expected to reduce travel inconvenience by providing direct connectivity between Varanasi and Punjab through a shorter rail route.
Expected Benefits for Passengers
The introduction of the Sant Ravidas Express is expected to benefit several categories of travelers.
Pilgrimage Tourism
The train will improve connectivity between two of North India’s most significant religious regions, making travel easier for pilgrims visiting Varanasi and Amritsar.
Business Travel
Improved overnight connectivity will provide business travelers with a faster and more comfortable option between Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.
Students and Families
Passengers travelling for education, employment, or family visits are expected to benefit from a direct premium rail service.
Railway Modernization
The launch further strengthens Indian Railways’ ongoing modernization programme and expands the growing network of Vande Bharat trains across the country.
Fare, Ticket Booking and Commercial Service
As of July 16, 2026, Indian Railways has not officially announced:
- Ticket fares
- Reservation opening date
- IRCTC booking schedule
- Detailed coach composition
- Date of commencement of regular commercial services
These details are expected to be released by the Railway Ministry and IRCTC following the inauguration.
Passengers are advised to wait for the official announcement before planning their journey.
Your Railway Guide’s Take
The introduction of the Varanasi–Chheharta Sant Ravidas Express marks another significant milestone in the expansion of India’s Vande Bharat Sleeper network. By connecting Varanasi with Chheharta near Amritsar, the new service is expected to provide faster, safer, and more comfortable overnight travel while strengthening connectivity between eastern Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.
With the inauguration scheduled for July 17, 2026, railway passengers are now awaiting official announcements regarding ticket bookings, fare structure, coach configuration, and the commencement of commercial operations.
Your Railway Guide will continue to provide the latest updates on **Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, Indian Railways announcements, train schedules, ticket booking information, and railway infrastructure developments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will the second Vande Bharat Sleeper train be flagged off?
The second Vande Bharat Sleeper train, Sant Ravidas Express, is scheduled to be flagged off on July 17, 2026 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Which cities will the train connect?
The train will connect Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh with Chheharta near Amritsar in Punjab.
What are the train numbers of the Sant Ravidas Express?
The train will operate as Train No. 14623 (Varanasi–Chheharta) and Train No. 14624 (Chheharta–Varanasi).
How frequently will the train run?
The train will operate three days a week. From Chheharta, it will run on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, while from Varanasi, it will operate on Thursday, Saturday, and Monday.
Has Indian Railways announced ticket booking and fares?
No. As of July 16, 2026, Indian Railways has not announced the fare structure, reservation opening date, or commencement date of regular commercial services.
