Indian Railways plans to build a Vande Bharat sleeper coach depot and workshop near a Bengaluru railway station, with an estimated investment of Rs 2.7 billion. The facility will handle maintenance and inspection of 10 Vande Bharat sleeper trains, manufactured jointly by the Integral Coach Factory and BEML in Bengaluru. The development marks a key step in expanding night-service variants of the high-speed train. The Indian Railways is also planning two new terminals and has sanctioned 52 Mobile Health Units (MHUs) to improve healthcare access in remote and underserved regions.
Indian Railways has announced plans to establish a dedicated Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Depot in Bengaluru, marking a major development in the Southern Railway Zone’s infrastructure. The depot will cater specifically to the maintenance and operational readiness of upcoming sleeper versions of the Vande Bharat Express. With Bengaluru emerging as a central hub for South India’s railway expansion, this project is expected to play a crucial role in facilitating the deployment of long-distance, semi-high-speed trains across the region.
About Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains
The Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, an upgrade to the current chair car models, are being designed for overnight journeys with modern sleeping berths, enhanced safety, and energy-efficient systems. These trains will be capable of running at speeds up to 160 km/h and are intended to replace older Rajdhani-style services over time. This move aligns with Indian Railways’ vision to modernize long-haul travel by introducing faster, more comfortable, and tech-enabled alternatives. For more on Vande Bharat’s train variants.
Why Bengaluru?
Bengaluru has been chosen due to its strategic location in South India, excellent connectivity, and availability of skilled technical manpower. The depot is expected to come up in proximity to the Baiyappanahalli or Whitefield railway zones, with infrastructure such as maintenance sheds, inspection lines, and automated cleaning systems. The Southern Railway Zone has been actively involved in expanding its footprint in Karnataka, and this depot will support future Vande Bharat routes connecting Bengaluru to Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Mumbai. You can track project tenders and announcements via the (Railway)
Depot Functions and Capacity
The Bengaluru depot will be equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic systems, pit lines, and automated machinery to ensure efficient maintenance of the 16-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper rakes. It will also include provisions for battery charging, water refilling, and overnight inspections. Designed with sustainability in mind, the depot may incorporate solar-powered utilities and rainwater harvesting systems, in line with Indian Railways’ green.
Impact on Southern Rail Network
The creation of this depot is expected to boost rail services in Karnataka and neighbouring states, reducing turnaround time for train maintenance and increasing operational efficiency. With sleeper variants enabling long-distance connectivity, passenger comfort and convenience will rise, especially for business and family travellers. Additionally, the depot will create skilled employment opportunities and strengthen the region’s role in India’s national rail upgrade mission. (Railway)
Conclusion
The upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper Depot in Bengaluru marks a significant milestone in the modernization of Indian Railways’ infrastructure in South India. It not only supports the efficient rollout of new-generation sleeper trains but also enhances the city’s importance as a railway hub. With faster trains, smarter depots, and regional connectivity on the rise, Bengaluru is set to play a key role in shaping India’s future rail mobility landscape.
q1. What is the purpose of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Depot in Bengaluru?
The depot will maintain and service Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, ensuring efficient and reliable long-distance operations.
q2. Where will the depot be located in Bengaluru?
The depot is expected to be built near Baiyappanahalli or Whitefield, strategic hubs within the South Western Railway Zone.
q3. What types of trains will the depot handle?
It will support the new sleeper variants of Vande Bharat Express, designed for overnight travel with modern berths.
q4. How will the depot benefit rail operations in South India?
It will reduce train turnaround times, improve maintenance efficiency, and enhance connectivity across major southern cities.
q5. When is the depot expected to be operational?
Construction timelines are yet to be officially announced, but operations are expected to begin in sync with the rollout of sleeper train variants in 2026.
