Good news for passengers travelling from Gujarat to Uttar Pradesh! Sabarmati–Varanasi Express Starts November 4. Western Railway is introducing a new daily superfast train service connecting Sabarmati in Ahmedabad with Varanasi. The Sabarmati–Varanasi Superfast Express will begin regular operations from November 4, 2026, providing another rail travel option for passengers heading towards Uttar Pradesh.
The new service is expected to benefit passengers travelling between Gujarat, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, particularly during the ongoing festive travel season.
The train will operate daily and cover the journey between Sabarmati and Varanasi in approximately 25 hours. It will pass through several important railway stations, including Mahesana, Palanpur, Abu Road, Ajmer, Jaipur and Agra.
Here are the complete details of the new train, including departure timings, return schedule, route, stoppages and coach facilities.
Sabarmati–Varanasi Express: Important Details
Western Railway has introduced this service to strengthen rail connectivity between Gujarat and northern India.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Train Name | Sabarmati–Varanasi Superfast Express |
| Train Number | 12205 (Sabarmati to Varanasi) |
| Return Train Number | 12206 (Varanasi to Sabarmati) |
| Starting Date | November 4, 2026 |
| Frequency | Daily |
| Starting Station | Sabarmati, Ahmedabad |
| Destination | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh |
| Departure from Sabarmati | 5:20 AM |
| Arrival at Varanasi | 6:30 AM (next day) |
| Departure from Varanasi | 5:30 PM |
| Arrival at Sabarmati | 8:15 PM (next day) |
Sabarmati to Varanasi Train Timings
The Sabarmati–Varanasi Superfast Express (Train No. 12205) will depart from Sabarmati at 5:20 AM every day. According to the announced schedule, the train will reach Varanasi at 6:30 AM the following day.
This gives passengers a direct rail connection between Ahmedabad and Varanasi without needing to change trains along the journey.
Varanasi to Sabarmati Return Train Schedule
For passengers travelling back from Uttar Pradesh to Gujarat, the return service will operate as Train No. 12206. The train will depart from Varanasi at 5:30 PM and reach Sabarmati at 8:15 PM the following day.
Passengers should check the exact operating-day schedule on the official railway enquiry system before booking their journey.
Sabarmati–Varanasi Express Route: List of Major Stoppages
The new superfast express will stop at 20 stations along its route, connecting important destinations across Gujarat, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
Some of the major stations include:
- Sabarmati
- Mahesana
- Palanpur
- Abu Road
- Marwar Junction
- Ajmer
- Jaipur
- Bharatpur
- Agra
- Tundla
- Govindpuri
- Subedarganj
- Mirzapur
- Varanasi
These are selected major stations reported in the announcement. Passengers should check the complete station-wise timetable on the Indian Railways enquiry portal before travelling.
Which Coaches Will Be Available?
The Sabarmati–Varanasi Superfast Express will offer multiple travel classes to suit different passenger requirements.
The announced coach categories include:
- AC 2-Tier
- AC 3-Tier
- Sleeper Class
- General Coaches
This combination will provide options for passengers looking for air-conditioned travel as well as more economical journeys.
The final coach composition and seat availability can be checked through IRCTC or railway reservation counters.
When Will Booking Start?
Reservations for the new Sabarmati–Varanasi Superfast Express are scheduled to open on Monday, November 2, 2026.
Passengers can book tickets through:
- Official IRCTC website
- IRCTC mobile application
- Railway reservation counters
Travellers are advised to check seat availability, fare details and the applicable travel date before confirming their tickets.
Will the New Train Benefit Surat Passengers?
The new service is particularly relevant for passengers travelling from Ahmedabad and northern Gujarat towards Varanasi and other destinations in Uttar Pradesh.
However, Surat is not listed among the announced stoppages of this train. Passengers from Surat should not assume that the service offers a direct boarding facility at Surat or Udhna.
Travellers from Surat can check connecting train options to Sabarmati or Ahmedabad before planning their journey.
Why Is This New Train Important for Gujarat?
Gujarat has a large population of people with family, business and cultural connections to Uttar Pradesh.
The new daily service is expected to offer additional travel options for:
- Families travelling between Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh.
- Passengers visiting Varanasi for religious purposes.
- Students and workers travelling between the two states.
- Travellers visiting important destinations across Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
- Passengers looking for additional rail connectivity during the festive season.
The service will also strengthen connectivity between important railway destinations along the route.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will the Sabarmati–Varanasi Superfast Express start?
The train will begin regular operations from November 4, 2026.
2. What is the train number of the Sabarmati–Varanasi Express?
The Sabarmati-to-Varanasi service is Train No. 12205, while the return service is Train No. 12206.
3. What time does the train leave Sabarmati?
The train will depart from Sabarmati at 5:20 AM daily.
4. When will the train reach Varanasi?
According to the announced schedule, it will arrive in Varanasi at 6:30 AM the following day.
5. Does the Sabarmati–Varanasi Express stop at Surat?
Surat is not included in the stoppages listed in the announcement. Passengers from Surat should check connecting train options.
6. Which coaches are available on this train?
The train will have AC 2-Tier, AC 3-Tier, Sleeper and General coaches.
7. Where can passengers book tickets?
Tickets can be booked through the IRCTC website, the IRCTC mobile application and railway reservation counters.
Conclusion
The launch of the Sabarmati–Varanasi Superfast Express is an important addition to Gujarat’s railway connectivity. Starting November 4, the daily service will connect Sabarmati with Varanasi through important destinations in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
With convenient departure timings and multiple coach options, the new train is expected to provide another travel option for passengers heading towards northern India.
Passengers should check the latest timetable, fares and seat availability through official railway platforms before travelling.
Also read, India’s First Bullet Train: First Look Revealed! Surat–Vapi Service Targeted for August 2027
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