For those planning a trip from Varanasi to Ranchi or Deoghar in Vande Bharat trains, there is an important timetable change. According to a report published in Indian Express and Northern Railway, the departure timings of two Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi have been revised from September 2, 2026, as part of timetable changes for operational reasons. Starting September 2, 2026, the Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express (20888) and Varanasi-Deoghar Vande Bharat Express (22500) will leave Varanasi 10 minutes earlier than their existing departure times.The change is applicable at Varanasi station, while timings at stations beyond Varanasi remain unchanged. For travellers, the difference may look small but when catching a train that leaves early in the morning or late afternoon, even minute matters.Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat will leave at 3:55 pmThe first service affected is the Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express, train number 20888 on the Varanasi-Ranchi journey.As of now, the train leaves Varanasi at 4:05 pm. But starting September 2, its departure time will move forward by 10 minutes to 3:55 pm.
- The Varanasi-Ranchi Vande Bharat is quite in demand among travellers exploring the eastern and central parts of India.
- Distance covered: Approximately 536 km
- Time: 7 hours and 50 minutes
- Days: All days except Tuesday
- Route: Its route connects several important towns and cities, including Gaya, Koderma, Hazaribagh, Parasnath and Bokaro before reaching Ranchi.
- Stops: Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Sasaram, Gaya, Koderma, Hazaribagh Road, Parasnath, Bokaro Steel City and Muri.
The service was flagged off in March 2024 and became commercially operational shortly afterwards.Varanasi-Deoghar Vande Bharat also moves 10 minutes earlierThe second train to get a revised departure time is the Varanasi-Deoghar Vande Bharat Express, train number 22500.Currently, the train departs Varanasi at 6:20 am. From September 2, it will leave at 6:10 am.It’s an important service for travellers heading towards Jharkhand’s temple town. Deoghar is noted for the revered Baba Baidyanath Jyotirlinga temple, which attracts pilgrims from all over throughout the year.The train covers roughly 456 km between Varanasi and Deoghar. Its route passes through important railway points in eastern India and provides a relatively quick daytime connection between the two destinations.Why travellers should take the 10-minute change seriouslyThe railway’s adjustment is small, but passengers should not assume that the old departure time will continue to apply.Someone arriving at Varanasi station at 6:15 am expecting to board the Deoghar Vande Bharat at 6:20 am could miss the train from September 2. Similarly, passengers accustomed to reaching the station shortly before 4 pm for the Ranchi service will now need to plan around the 3:55 pm departure.The Varanasi-Ranchi service offers AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car accommodation. As per railways official site, the fare from Varanasi to Ranchi is ₹1,470 for AC Chair Car and ₹2,695 for Executive Chair Car. However, the actual fares can change, depending on booking conditions and other charges.From September 2, 2026, the two new departure times from Varanasi are important to know. A 10-minute adjustment may seem small and not -so-important. But for a train journey and passengers, those 10 minutes can be the most important part of the itinerary.
