Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually flag off the Sant Ravidas Express, India’s second Sleeper Vande Bharat, on July 17th. The tri-weekly overnight service links Varanasi with Chheharta near Amritsar, promising faster travel between eastern Uttar Pradesh and Punjab at set timings released by Indian Railways.
The Railway Board has confirmed the launch alongside the inauguration of the newly redeveloped Jalandhar railway station on the same day. By placing a premium service on an overnight corridor, the railways are targeting predictable end-to-end connectivity for pilgrims, business travellers and families.
Why this launch matters for travellers
The Sant Ravidas Express is designed to improve overnight rail connectivity between eastern Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. Sleeper Vande Bharat trains combine speed-focused operations with sleeping comfort, helping passengers utilise night hours and arrive during the day.
The service also aims to support tourism flows around Varanasi and Amritsar, while easing pressure on existing long-distance trains. Running three days a week in each direction, it introduces a new high-priority option on a busy route.
Route, halts and upkeep
Operating under train numbers 14624 and 14623, the service runs between Chheharta and Varanasi. It will halt at Jaunpur City, Sultanpur, Lucknow, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Saharanpur, Ambala Cantt, Ludhiana, Jalandhar City and Amritsar.
Primary maintenance will be carried out at Chheharta station, according to the Railway Board. This ensures the rake is serviced at its terminal close to Amritsar, aligning upkeep with its operating pattern.
Days and timings
Indian Railways has released a fixed departure schedule to simplify planning for both directions. Here is the at-a-glance frequency and start time for each leg:
– Chheharta to Varanasi: Wednesday, Friday, Sunday at 2:05 PM
– Varanasi to Chheharta: Thursday, Saturday, Monday at 7:05 PM
The tri-weekly pattern in each direction offers predictable weekly coverage without daily duplication, spreading capacity across peak demand days.
Key on-board timings en route
From Chheharta, Train No. 14624 departs at 2:05 PM, reaches Amritsar at 2:25 PM and halts for five minutes. It is scheduled to arrive at Lucknow at 7:30 AM the next day, and terminate at Varanasi at 12:15 PM.
On the return, Train No. 14623 leaves Varanasi at 7:05 PM, reaches Lucknow at 12:10 AM, and arrives in Amritsar at 4:35 PM the next day. It is set to terminate at Chheharta at 5:10 PM.
Launch details and immediate impact
The Prime Minister will inaugurate the service via video conferencing from Jalandhar. On the same day, he will open Jalandhar’s new railway station, adding a modernised hub to the corridor the train serves.
Railway officials have positioned this rollout as part of the broader expansion of the Sleeper Vande Bharat network. The aim is to offer faster, more comfortable options on long-distance routes that benefit from overnight operations.
The Sant Ravidas Express, by running three times a week, balances frequency with reliability. With defined slots and maintenance based at Chheharta, the timetable is structured around punctuality, including timed arrivals in Lucknow and Amritsar for smooth onward connections.
For travellers choosing between daytime journeys and overnight travel, the timings present clear value. Passengers can board in the evening or afternoon, rest en route, and reach major cities during business hours or midday.
What comes next
Following the July 17th flag-off, the focus shifts to consistent operations and on-time performance across the network. With halts across key junctions such as Moradabad, Ambala Cantt and Ludhiana, the service is set to integrate into existing interchange patterns.
As the second Sleeper Vande Bharat begins duty, Indian Railways signals continued emphasis on premium overnight connectivity. For regulars on the Varanasi-Amritsar sector, the Sant Ravidas Express adds a high-priority option with a clear, repeatable schedule.
