In a major milestone for Indian Railways, the country’s first dedicated Vande Bharat maintenance depot is being built in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Located in the Bhagat Ki Kothi area, this modern facility is set to be completed by the end of this year.
Anurag Tripathi, the Divisional Railway Manager for Jodhpur, expressed excitement about this project. “It’s a proud moment for Jodhpur,” he stated. The maintenance depot, costing ₹167 crore, will include advanced features to ensure the efficient upkeep of trains.
The depot will cover around 600 meters and will have three pit lines, allowing maintenance of three Vande Bharat trains at the same time. Tripathi emphasized its uniqueness, noting that Vande Bharat trains from all over the country will come to Jodhpur for services.
The Vande Bharat, India’s first semi-high-speed train, is gaining popularity, but until now, these trains were maintained at conventional depots without specialized facilities. This new depot is one of four planned across India specifically for Vande Bharat trains, improving service quality and train reliability.
Beyond this depot, additional projects are underway in the region. Tripathi mentioned another ₹200 crore initiative to build a workshop and a training center for Vande Bharat staff. Though work hasn’t started yet, the plan includes a tender process to kick things off soon.
As for staffing the new depot and workshop, recruitment will follow the Railway Recruitment Board’s guidelines. “With any new facility, new staff will be needed,” Tripathi explained. The training center will be strategically located near the main depot, ensuring that staff can enhance their skills effectively.
According to recent studies, the demand for skilled workers in the railway sector is on the rise, driven by modernization efforts like this depot. As Indian Railways continues to evolve, facilities like this not only improve operations but also contribute to the local economy by creating jobs and boosting tourism.
This project reflects India’s push toward modernizing its rail infrastructure, aiming to become a global leader in railway transportation. As we move forward, such developments are vital for enhancing connectivity and sustainability in the country.