Indian Railways is set to operationalize the nation's first Vande Bharat Sleeper maintenance depot in Jodhpur. The ₹167-crore first phase aims to provide rapid maintenance for high-speed sleeper rakes.

  • India's first maintenance depot for Vande Bharat Sleeper trains is being developed at Bhagat Ki Kothi, Jodhpur.
  • The first phase of the project, costing ₹167 crore, is nearing completion.
  • The facility can maintain three 24-coach sleeper rakes simultaneously within just six hours.
  • The project emphasizes 'Make in India' by sourcing equipment from domestic manufacturers.

In a massive boost to India's premium rail infrastructure, Indian Railways has announced the establishment of the country's first dedicated maintenance depot for Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. Located at Bhagat Ki Kothi in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, this facility is poised to become the backbone of the upcoming large-scale induction of the highly anticipated sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat series.

Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Anurag Tripathi confirmed that the first phase of this ambitious project, valued at ₹167 crore, is nearing its conclusion. The complete project, including the second phase, is estimated to cost approximately ₹362 crore. The facility is being developed through a strategic collaboration between Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVCL) and Kinet Railway Solutions, a Russia-India joint venture.

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Operational Excellence and Capacity

The technical specifications of the Jodhpur depot are designed for maximum efficiency and rapid turnaround. Once fully operational, the depot will possess the capability to maintain three separate Vande Bharat Sleeper rakes simultaneously. Each rake consists of 24 coaches, meaning the facility can service a total of 72 coaches within a single six-hour shift.

BozokMedia analysis shows that this high-speed maintenance capability is crucial for the viability of long-distance premium services, ensuring that trains spend minimal time in the depot and maximum time on the tracks. The depot is equipped with cutting-edge technology for both under-gear and upper-gear examinations, facilitating stringent safety protocols and faster pit-line operations.

Increase in the number of Vande Bharat Sleeper services is possible only with seamless periodic maintenance infrastructure.

Strategic Regional Development

The development of this depot is part of a much larger infrastructure overhaul in the North Western Railway zone. Jodhpur, a vital division with 1,625 route kilometers, is seeing massive upgrades. Beyond maintenance, 15 stations are undergoing redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with major upgrades planned for Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and Pali at a cost exceeding ₹1,000 crore.

Furthermore, the region is attracting significant private interest. Plans are underway for at least eight new private sidings, which could trigger private investments ranging from ₹24,000 crore to ₹32,000 crore. This synergy between public infrastructure and private investment is expected to transform the freight and passenger landscape in Rajasthan.

Did You Know?: The Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are designed to offer a flight-like experience on tracks, bridging the gap between luxury travel and rail accessibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the total cost of the Vande Bharat Sleeper depot in Jodhpur?
The first phase costs ₹167 crore, with the total project cost expected to reach ₹362 crore after the second phase.

2. How many coaches can the depot service in one shift?
The depot can maintain 72 coaches (three 24-coach rakes) within a six-hour window.