Jodhpur: India's First Vande Bharat Sleeper Maintenance Depot Nears Completion
Indian Railways has set up its first maintenance depot for Vande Bharat Sleeper trains at Bhagat Ki Kothi in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, marking a key step towards the large-scale deployment of the new sleeper variant. Officials said the facility, which is nearing completion, will play a vital role in the railway network.
The Vande Bharat trains are India's indigenously developed semi-high-speed trainsets. The sleeper version is designed for long-distance overnight journeys, featuring comfortable sleeper berths, modern amenities, and advanced safety systems. To keep these trains operational, dedicated maintenance facilities are required.
The depot is being developed in collaboration with Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) and Kinet Railway Solutions, a Russia-India joint venture. The first phase of the project costs ₹167 crore and is almost finished. The total project cost is estimated at ₹362 crore after the completion of the second phase, which will add further capabilities.
Divisional Railway Manager Anurag Tripathi, speaking to a group of journalists from Andhra Pradesh in Jodhpur, said the depot would be critical to meeting the growing demand for Vande Bharat services. "Increase in the number of Vande Bharat Sleeper services is possible only with seamless periodic maintenance infrastructure," he said.
Once fully operational, the depot will be capable of simultaneously maintaining three Vande Bharat Sleeper rakes, each comprising 24 coaches, within six hours. This will enable periodic servicing of 72 coaches in a single shift, significantly improving the turnaround capacity for long-distance premium trains.
The depot is equipped with advanced technology for under-gear and upper-gear examination, allowing stringent safety checks, primary maintenance, and faster pit-line operations. The facility also includes modern workshops and diagnostic systems. Special emphasis has been placed on sourcing spares and equipment from Indian manufacturers, giving a boost to the Make in India initiative.
Jodhpur is one of the largest divisions of North Western Railway, with 1,625 route kilometres. The city serves as a major hub for rail traffic in western and northern India. Infrastructure is also being augmented at Barmer and Jaisalmer, where new coaching depots are under development, Mr. Tripathi said.
The division is also witnessing significant private investment in freight infrastructure and station redevelopment. At least eight new private sidings are in the pipeline, with each involving an investment of ₹3,000 crore to ₹4,000 crore. Together, these projects could attract private investment of ₹24,000 crore to ₹32,000 crore, potentially boosting industrial activity in the region.
In addition, 15 stations are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Three major stations — Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Pali — are being upgraded at a combined cost of more than ₹1,000 crore. These redevelopment projects aim to modernise passenger amenities and improve the overall travel experience.
The new maintenance depot is expected to reduce dependence on existing facilities and create employment opportunities in the Jodhpur region. The railways have been progressively expanding the Vande Bharat network, and the sleeper variant is anticipated to be introduced on several high-density routes in the coming months. The depot will ensure that these trains receive timely and high-quality maintenance, supporting the safe and efficient operation of long-distance services.
