Mumbai is set to host Maharashtra’s first dedicated Vande Bharat train depot in Jogeshwari, converting a 5–6 acre railway site near Ram Mandir station into a state-of-the-art maintenance hub. The facility, costing an estimated ₹150–200 crore, will service both seater and sleeper high-speed trains, with future capacity for up to 50 rakes. It marks a major step in boosting Indian Railways’ high-speed connectivity in the city.
According to senior railway officials, the location was finalised after an inspection earlier this month, with Jogeshwari emerging as the most strategic option compared to other sites such as Wadi Bunder, Curry Road, and Virar. Its proximity to both Ram Mandir station and the upcoming Jogeshwari Terminus gives it a unique operational advantage for Western and Central Railway networks. The proposed depot, with an estimated investment between ₹150 crore and ₹200 crore, will be equipped with two to three maintenance pit lines, each 600 metres long. These facilities will be capable of handling full-length 20-car Vande Bharat trains, ensuring faster turnaround times and better upkeep. A specialised third-party contractor is expected to manage day-to-day operations, bringing in advanced expertise.
One of the depot’s most notable features will be an innovative “pit mover” mechanism for replacing bogies. Unlike conventional trains with detachable coaches, Vande Bharat units have an integrated design. The pit mover will allow entire wheelsets to be lowered and replaced with precision, minimising service downtime and improving operational efficiency. Initially, the Jogeshwari depot is expected to service five to ten trains, with phased expansion allowing capacity for up to 50 rakes in the coming years. This aligns with Indian Railways’ modernisation strategy to run Vande Bharat services at speeds of up to 160 kmph on major intercity routes, cutting travel times and enhancing passenger comfort.
The depot development also ties in closely with the upcoming Jogeshwari Terminus, which is scheduled to be operational by December 2026. This new greenfield terminal, the first in Mumbai in more than three decades, will handle around 24 long-distance departures daily, connecting the city with Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi. Officials note that having a dedicated Vande Bharat facility nearby could see the terminus emerge as a key origin point for future services. Beyond Jogeshwari, similar depots are being planned at Sabarmati in Gujarat and Indore in Madhya Pradesh, underscoring a nationwide push to create a robust support network for high-speed rail. For Mumbai, this project represents not only a leap in rail technology but also a step towards cleaner, faster, and more sustainable intercity transport.
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