Jodhpur: Indian Railways is set to commission the country’s first dedicated Vande Bharat sleeper coach maintenance facility by mid-2026, a move aimed at enhancing the safety, reliability, and performance of the semi-high-speed trains that have transformed intercity travel in India. Located at Bhagat Ki Kothi Railway station in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, the state-of-the-art facility is being constructed at a cost of ₹360 crore, according to North Western Railway’s Senior Divisional Mechanical Engineer, Major Amit Swamy.

The facility’s first phase, slated for completion by June 2026, includes a 600-metre track capable of maintaining up to 24 Vande Bharat sleeper coaches. The second phase, featuring a 178-metre track along with a workshop and simulator facility, is expected to be operational by June 2027. Together, these two phases are designed to ensure comprehensive maintenance and testing of the new Vande Bharat sleeper coaches, which will soon be deployed on key long-distance routes connecting major cities.

Advanced features for precision and safety

Major Swamy highlighted that the facility will incorporate a dedicated wheel rack system and a specialised testing laboratory equipped with the latest simulators to train staff and evaluate high-tech equipment. “The first phase will cost ₹167 crore and the second phase ₹195 crore. This facility is a reflection of Indian Railways’ commitment to precision, safety, and performance,” he said. The depot will feature a three-tier inspection system, capable of handling three trains simultaneously. Advanced machinery will allow for lifting entire train rakes, transferring bogies using a drop pit table, and wheel-turning operations, ensuring uninterrupted maintenance of the Vande Bharat coaches.

The project is being executed by North Western Railway in collaboration with Railway Vikas Nigam Limited and Kinet Railway Solution—a joint venture between India and Russia acting as technology partners. The combination of modern infrastructure, automated systems, and rigorous inspection protocols is expected to significantly reduce downtime and enhance the operational efficiency of the Vande Bharat fleet.

Capacity and operational plans

The Jodhpur facility will cater exclusively to sleeper coaches, a segment of the Vande Bharat trains being newly introduced on intercity routes. The depot is expected to handle maintenance for eight to nine trains daily, with coaches scheduled for inspection either every four days or after covering 3,500 km. According to Swamy, the maintenance schedule will ensure that all Vande Bharat trains operate at peak efficiency while maintaining strict safety standards.

In addition to Jodhpur, Indian Railways is establishing four other similar maintenance facilities across the country. These include depots at Bijwasan railway station in Delhi, Thanisandra station in Bengaluru, Anand Vihar in Delhi, and Wadi Bandar in Mumbai. Once operational, these depots will form a nationwide network for maintaining Vande Bharat sleeper coaches, providing seamless upkeep for the expanding fleet and supporting the ambitious semi-high-speed rail plans of Indian Railways.

The inclusion of simulators and specialised testing labs marks a new era in train maintenance in India. Staff will be able to train on advanced systems and evaluate critical components in a controlled environment, minimizing operational risks and ensuring that trains remain reliable for passengers. The facility also underscores India’s growing capability in rail technology and international collaboration, given the involvement of Russian technology partners in designing and implementing cutting-edge maintenance solutions.

Implications for passengers and rail operations

The Jodhpur maintenance depot is expected to play a pivotal role in the long-term operational strategy of Vande Bharat sleeper trains. By enabling rapid, thorough, and precise maintenance, the facility will help maintain high service frequency, reduce delays, and enhance the overall passenger experience. Travelers can expect smoother journeys on the new sleeper services connecting major cities, supported by rigorous inspection standards and preventive maintenance regimes.

With Indian Railways steadily expanding the Vande Bharat fleet, these maintenance facilities are a critical part of infrastructure planning, ensuring that semi-high-speed trains continue to set new benchmarks in efficiency, safety, and passenger comfort. By the time the Jodhpur facility becomes operational in mid-2026, Indian Railways will have significantly strengthened its capacity to service an expanding fleet of advanced Vande Bharat trains, marking a major milestone in the country’s high-speed rail ambitions.

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