Mumbai will maintain next-generation Vande Bharat trains, with work starting in 2023

By next year, the construction of repair facilities for semi-Bullet Air-Conditioned Vande Bharat trains would begin at Wadi Bunder and Jogeshwari. According to sources, the tendering process will begin soon, and preliminary plans are being developed. The Free Press Journal was the first to report on Mumbai's importance in the upkeep and operation of Vande Bharat. This comes at a time when routes for Vande Bharat trains, which could begin in Mumbai, are being considered.

 

The Central and Western Railways are planning to redevelop sites where the next generation AC Sleeper Vande Bharat semi-high-speed trains can be maintained. According to Central Railway sources, they are planning a refurbishment at Wadi Bunder, where the maintenance facility would be built.

 

"We will shortly commence the contracting process and other procedures for establishing the Vande Bharat trains' repair yard and coaching complex at Wadi Bunder." We expect work on developing the same to begin only in 2023," said a CR official on condition of anonymity. Among other things, the CR maintains a linen washing factory and a large yard for long-distance trains at Wadi Bunder.

 

The Indian Railways has identified two places for the Western Railway (Mumbai Central and Jogeshwari). According to railway sources, Mumbai Central is already overcrowded and has limited room, hence Jogeshwari is the likely contender for establishing the coaching facility for AC Sleeper Vande Bharat trains.

 

Instead of the one chosen at Mumbai Central Terminus, Jogeshwari siding may be a better fit for the proposed trainset depot. The Railway Board has requested that the Zonal Railways study these places in detail and prepare for the development and upgrade of Vande Bharat train repair infrastructure at these locations in a letter sent to all Zonal Railways.

 

"There is space available at Jogeshwari for the installation of a maintenance facility for Vande Bharat trains." "This is in addition to the development of Terminus at Jogeshwari," stated a WR official. The New Coaching Terminus at Jogeshwari will cost Rs 69 crore and will house 24-car trains on both sides where trains will terminate. This will become another rail terminus for people using long-distance trains after it is completed in 2025 or so.

 

Plans call for the construction of a 600-meter-long, 12-meter-wide island platform with tracks on either side. Passengers can disembark and board trains on both sides of an island platform. Separate washing lines will also be installed on Vande Bharat trains. Each of them will be assigned at least two washing lines for a total of ten trains.

 

 

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