Vande Bharat Sleeper Prep: GM Inspects Kashi and Varanasi Stations
Northern Railway GM inspects Kashi and Varanasi stations ahead of the Vande Bharat Sleeper and new MEMU services launch on October 31.
In a major push to prepare for the upcoming high-speed rail revolution, Northern Railway General Manager Rajesh Kumar Pandey conducted an extensive inspection of Kashi Railway Station and Varanasi Junction (Cantt Station) on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
The inspection was strategically timed to ensure all facilities are in top shape ahead of the highly anticipated Vande Bharat launch Varanasi, specifically the Vande Bharat Sleeper train scheduled for October 31, 2026.
Focus on Station Redevelopment and Amenities
During his visit, GM Pandey meticulously reviewed the ongoing redevelopment projects aimed at modernizing the passenger experience. His assessment included several key areas:
- Kashi Station: A detailed look at the new concourse building and the overall station structure.
- Varanasi Junction: A thorough check of platform organization and cleanliness standards.
The General Manager was accompanied by a high-level team, including Lucknow Divisional Railway Manager Sunil Kumar Verma, Additional Divisional Railway Manager B.K. Yadav, and Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Samarth Gupta. To ensure seamless operations, GM Pandey issued direct instructions to officials to optimize station premises for maximum passenger convenience.
Double Launch on October 31
The end of October promises significant upgrades for commuters in the region. Besides the Vande Bharat Sleeper, the railway is set to introduce the new Sarntah-Rajatalab MEMU train service on October 31, 2026. This new service is expected to provide much-needed relief to daily commuters by reducing the reliance on road transport.
North Eastern Railway on High Alert
Parallel preparations are underway within the North Eastern Railway. On October 27, 2026, General Manager Uday Borwankar inspected several key stations, including Banaras, Rajatalab, Haridattpur, and Varanasi City.
This inspection focused heavily on safety standards as the department prepares for a planned visit by the Railway Minister on October 31. During this visit, three new train services are expected to be inaugurated, marking a significant milestone for the regional rail network.