Indian Railways is setting up the country’s first dedicated maintenance depot for Vande Bharat Sleeper trains in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. This world-class facility is being developed at Bhagat Ki Kothi railway station by the North Western Railway. The project aims to ensure smooth operations and high-speed maintenance for the upcoming sleeper versions of the Vande Bharat trains.
What are the project costs and timelines
The entire project is estimated to cost around ₹360 crore and is being built in two phases. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation for the first phase on February 16, 2024. The first phase costs ₹167 crore and is expected to be ready by June 2026. The second phase, approved for ₹195 crore by Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, should be completed by June 2027.
What facilities will be available at the Jodhpur depot
The depot will feature advanced technology to reduce the turnaround time of trains and improve efficiency. Key technical details are listed below:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Track Length | 600 meters (can handle 24-coach trains) |
| Infrastructure | Three pit line covered inspection bay, office, and training center |
| Phase 2 Additions | 200m covering shed, OHE pit line, and pit wheel lathe system |
| Special Tech | Automatic cleaning lines and predictive maintenance tools |
| Partners | RVNL and KINET Railway Solutions (Russia) |
How will this impact railway operations
Senior Divisional Mechanical Engineer Major Amit Swami stated that this facility will act as a world-class training center for high-speed trains. Jodhpur DRM Anurag Tripathi confirmed that work is moving at a fast pace near the Bhagat Ki Kothi washing line. The depot will ensure that as more Vande Bharat Sleeper trains enter service, their maintenance is handled with cutting-edge diagnostic tools to avoid delays.