Mumbai Gets India's First Dedicated Vande Bharat Depot!

Indian Railways has directed Western and Central Railways to earmark exclusive locations for Vande Bharat train depots in Mumbai, with Western Railway (WR) selecting a six-acre site between Jogeshwari and Ram Mandir stations. This will be the city’s first dedicated depot for both Vande Bharat and upcoming Vande Sleeper trains.

According to WR officials, preliminary work at the site will begin shortly. The facility is initially planned to service 5–10 Vande Bharat trains, with future capacity expansion to accommodate up to 50 high-speed trains. These trains are designed for speeds up to 160 kmph, in line with Indian Railways' modernisation agenda and its goal of reducing intercity travel times.

“Our infrastructure is nearly ready for 160 kmph operations, and the Jogeshwari Terminus project is progressing well too,” said Ashok Kumar Misra, General Manager of Western Railway.

The depot site offers excellent connectivity due to its proximity to the Western Express Highway and holds significant potential for future expansion. Meanwhile, Central Railway has identified Wadi Bunder near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) as its proposed location for a similar facility.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.