Rajasthan likely to get India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train maintenance depot by June 2026

Vande Bharat Sleeper train maintenance depot at Rajasthan

The construction of maintenance facilities for Vande Bharat Sleeper train coaches and other trains at Bhagat Ki Kothi is being carried out in two phases. The depot will include a 600-metre track to support maintenance of 24-coach trains.

Under Phase 1, a covered area of around 1,200 square metres will be developed. It will feature a covered inspection bay with three pit lines, along with an office, a training centre and a store, at an estimated cost of approximately Rs 167 crore. It is expected to be ready by June 2026.

In Phase 2, the project will see the development of a 200-metre covered shed featuring pit lines equipped with OHE (Overhead Equipment) facilities. According to North Western Railway, the workshop infrastructure will also be expanded to include a two-line workshop bay, along with a dedicated shed for pit wheel lathes to support wheel maintenance operations.

“Phase 2 is estimated to cost approximately Rs 195 crore. For the second phase, tenders have already been invited for the construction of the workshop and simulator facility at an estimated cost of Rs 55 crore. This facility will feature a dedicated wheel lathe system as well as a specialized testing laboratory,” the NWR said.

Vande Bharat Sleeper train route

The country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train is operational on the Howrah-Kamakhya route, while the second service is set to run between KSR Bengaluru and Mumbai.