A cabin window that turns opaque at the press of a button, individual reading lights and ergonomically designed berths — the First AC section of the Delhi–Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper is drawing attention for its focus on passenger comfort and privacy.
Travel creator Akshay Malhotra, who posts on Instagram as @journeyswithak, shared a video offering a glimpse inside the train’s First AC accommodation. His reaction to the cabin design went like “Bhai look at this, bhai ye kya design kiya hai”. He captures the surprise surrounding one of its standout features.
Also Read | Lakshadweep tourism rules 2026: Here’s what changes for tour operators
The video gives rail enthusiasts a closer look at what passengers can expect from the new overnight service, which is scheduled to connect New Delhi and Varanasi.
Switchable privacy glass is the standout feature
The most striking detail in the cabin tour is the window on the cabin door, which can be switched to an opaque setting with the press of a button. The feature allows passengers to block the view from outside when they want more privacy inside their compartment.
While it may appear to be a small design addition, it could make a difference during an overnight journey, particularly for those travelling in First AC.
The cabin also features individual reading lights, charging points, water-bottle holders, a table holder, a mirror and window blinds. The berths have been designed with cushioning and ergonomics in mind, while non-slip material on the steps leading to the upper berths is intended to make climbing up and down more convenient.
Delhi–Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper: Route and timings
The new service is expected to cover approximately 760 km between New Delhi and Varanasi, with a journey time of around nine hours and five minutes in either direction.
According to the timetable reported on October 30, the service will operate under two train numbers:
- Varanasi to New Delhi — Train 27421: Departs Varanasi at 8:50 pm and arrives in New Delhi at 5:55 am the following day.
- New Delhi to Varanasi — Train 27422: Departs New Delhi at 9:40 pm and arrives in Varanasi at 6:45 am the next morning.
The service is scheduled to operate six days a week. The Varanasi-originating train will not run on Fridays, while the New Delhi-originating service will not operate on Saturdays.
The train is scheduled to be inaugurated on October 31, with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expected to jointly flag it off, according to the report.
What else will the Vande Bharat Sleeper offer?
The 16-coach train will offer three accommodation categories, catering to different passenger needs and budgets:
- AC First Class: 24 berths
- AC 2-Tier: 188 berths
- AC 3-Tier: 611 berths
Beyond the cabin interiors, the train is listed as having several safety and convenience features, including the indigenous KAVACH train protection system, CCTV cameras in all coaches, automatic doors, fire detection and suppression systems, and an emergency talk-back facility.
Noise-reduction measures, ergonomically designed berths and modern toilets are also among the features outlined in the report.
How is it different from the existing Vande Bharat trains?
The Delhi–Varanasi route already has Vande Bharat Chair Car services, but the sleeper variant is designed for a different kind of journey.
Also Read | Digi Yatra trials begin for international passengers at 7 airports
Chair Car services are suited to daytime travel, while the sleeper train is intended for passengers who want to board in the evening, rest during the journey and reach their destination the following morning.
For travellers taking the overnight route, the combination of sleeping accommodation and features such as switchable privacy glass could make the journey more convenient. The actual passenger experience, however, will become clearer once the service begins operating.