Varanasi-Sabarmati Superfast Express Gets Route Approval

The Varanasi-Sabarmati Superfast Express has received approval for its route and stoppages, creating a direct rail connection between Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat, although the railway administration has not yet announced when regular services will begin.

According to Sandesh, the Railway Board has approved train numbers 12205 and 12206 for the new service. The 22-coach train will operate through important stations including Govindpuri, Tundla, Bharatpur, Jaipur, Ajmer and Abu Road.

Train number 12206 will depart from Varanasi Junction at 5.30 pm and reach Sabarmati station at 8.15 pm the following day, according to the reported timetable. In the return direction, train number 12205 will leave Sabarmati at 5.20 am and arrive at Varanasi Junction at 6.30 am the next day.

The approved route will connect major urban centres and travel destinations across the three states. The service is expected to provide a direct option for passengers travelling between Varanasi, Rajasthan and Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati area, reducing the need for route changes for some journeys.

The train has been allocated a 22-coach Linke Hofmann Busch, or LHB, rake. These coaches are intended for long-distance operations, and the report states that primary maintenance for the service will be carried out at Varanasi.

Operational arrangements have also been planned at selected stations. Water-filling facilities for the train’s coaches will be available at Govindpuri, Tundla and Jaipur during the journey, according to the report.

The connection is expected to be useful for visitors travelling to religious and tourism destinations in the three states. It may also serve traders, students and other passengers who currently depend on connecting services or alternative routes for inter-state travel. The approved stoppages include Jaipur and Ajmer, which are significant passenger destinations in Rajasthan, as well as Abu Road, an important rail point for travel towards southern Rajasthan and Mount Abu.

The announcement provides route and operational details but does not establish the final launch date, ticketing schedule, fare structure or frequency of service. The railway administration is expected to issue a separate announcement on the start of regular operations. Until that notification is released, the approved timetable remains subject to the formal commencement schedule.