Good news for train lovers! India’s premium overnight rail network is all set to expand further as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to virtually flag off Sant Ravidas Express on July 17, 2026. The train will connect Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh with Chheharta (Amritsar) in Punjab. It will offer faster and more comfortable overnight travel across North India. For travellers, it’s time to rejoice as the new sleeper train promises reduced travel time, modern amenities and direct connectivity between two of North India’s most important spiritual destinations.More about Sant Ravidas ExpressThe train will connect Banaras (Varanasi) and Chheharta near Amritsar. The service is expected to benefit pilgrims, tourists, business travellers and long-distance passengers travelling between Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab.Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a prime Hindu pilgrimage centre. Amritsar, on the other hand, is home to the revered Golden Temple which attracts lakhs of pilgrims every year. With this overnight facility, the train is expected to boost tourism between the two destinations.Timings Banaras to ChhehartaDeparture: 2:40 PMArrival: 4:00 AM (next day)Chheharta to BanarasDeparture: 10:50 PMArrival: 11:50 AM (next day)Major stoppagesSultanpurLucknowHardoiShahjahanpurBareillyMoradabadAmbala CantonmentLudhianaJalandhar Citybefore reaching Chheharta near Amritsar.What passengers can expect:
Fully air-conditioned sleeper coachesErgonomically designed berthsBio-vacuum toiletsPassenger information systemsPremium safety featuresCCTV surveillanceAutomatic doorsComfortA boost for religious tourismVaranasi is globally famous for its religious centres including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Annapurna Temple. Another major attraction of Varanasi are the Ganga ghats and evening aarti. Amritsar attracts devotees to Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), Jallianwala Bagh and the Wagah Border ceremony.With an overnight schedule, travellers can use sightseeing time without spending an entire day in transit, making weekend pilgrimages easy, comfortable and convenient.What travellers should know
The train is scheduled to be flagged off on July 17, 2026It offers overnight connectivity between Varanasi and AmritsarAccording to a Railway Board communication, the new Sant Ravidas Express will operate as train numbers 14624 and 14623 between Chheharta and Varanasi and will run three times a week.Train 14624 will leave Chheharta every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 2:05 PM, arriving in Varanasi at 12:15 pm the following day. The return service, train 14623, will depart Varanasi every Thursday, Saturday and Monday at 7:05 pm and reach Chheharta at 5:10 pm the next day.Ticket booking details, fares and commercial operation dates are expected to be announced by Indian Railways closer to the launch.
