From Dumping Ground to Depot: Mumbai to Get Its First Vande Bharat Train Maintenance Hub near Ram Mandir Station

By Staff Reporter | Mumbai | June 30, 2025

In a significant step toward modernizing Mumbai’s rail infrastructure, Western Railway (WR) has finalized plans to set up the city’s first dedicated depot for Vande Bharat and Vande Sleeper trains near Ram Mandir station. What was once a neglected patch of land—used as a dumping ground between Jogeshwari and Ram Mandir stations—is now slated for transformation into a high-tech rail hub.

The six-acre stretch, currently cluttered with abandoned coaches, overgrown weeds, and construction waste, has been identified by WR officials as an ideal location for a full-fledged stabling and maintenance facility for India’s new-generation semi-high-speed trains.

A New Era for Mumbai Rail Infrastructure
 

Senior officials from WR confirmed that preliminary groundwork for the project will begin shortly. Once operational, the depot will initially handle maintenance for 5 to 10 Vande Bharat trains and gradually scale up to accommodate up to 50 trains as demand increases.

“This is a long-term vision project,” said Ashok Kumar Misra, General Manager of Western Railway. “Our infrastructure is already ready for 160 kmph operations. With the development of the Jogeshwari Terminus nearby, the location is both strategic and future-ready.”

The Vande Bharat Express is India's flagship semi-high-speed train, capable of running at 160 kmph. Its newer version, the Vande Sleeper, designed for overnight journeys, is expected to significantly reduce travel times on long-distance routes such as Mumbai to Delhi, Indore, and Ahmedabad.

Strategic Location and Connectivity
 

The decision to place the depot between Jogeshwari and Ram Mandir stations is not accidental. The land parcel’s proximity to the Western Express Highway provides logistical ease for movement of equipment, parts, and staff. More importantly, it lies adjacent to the upcoming Jogeshwari Terminus, a ₹77 crore project scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.

The terminus, Mumbai’s first greenfield rail terminus in more than three decades, will have three platforms, each capable of handling 24-coach trains. The facility will serve as a vital alternative to overloaded terminals like Dadar, Bandra, and Mumbai Central.

Central and Western Railways Plan for the Future

In response to the Indian Railways’ directive to identify dedicated Vande Bharat depots, Central Railway has shortlisted Wadi Bunder, located near the historic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). Meanwhile, Western Railway has taken the lead in Mumbai by choosing this land parcel near Ram Mandir for quick rollout.

WR is also developing similar depots in Sabarmati and Indore, signaling a broader strategy to expand semi-high-speed train infrastructure across the western region of India.

Boost to Passenger Connectivity and Efficiency

Sources indicate that the upcoming depot increases the likelihood that more Vande Bharat trains will originate from Jogeshwari—especially as the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route gears up for 160 kmph operations this August.

“The bigger picture is to offer passengers a credible alternative to short-haul flights,” Misra added. “If a traveler can reach Delhi or Indore overnight in 10–12 hours, why would they spend more on air tickets and endure airport delays?”

The development is part of Indian Railways’ larger vision of shifting urban and intercity travel preferences toward rail, particularly through innovations like the Vande Bharat series.

Other Infrastructure Updates

While the sixth rail line between Bandra Terminus and Kandivali already exists, progress on the Kandivali-Borivali stretch had slowed due to utility relocation and encroachment challenges. WR now aims to complete the project by December 2025, further easing train movements and improving punctuality.

Plans are also in motion to expand the Virar-Dahanu rail corridor, with Palghar being developed as a major regional rail hub. In addition, WR is enhancing connectivity to the proposed Vadhavan Port, a key maritime project along Maharashtra’s western coastline.

Environmental and Urban Impact
 

The conversion of the dump yard into a clean, operational depot is expected to have a positive urban and environmental impact. Local residents and urban planners welcome the move, hoping it will eliminate unsightly garbage, reduce pollution, and improve local traffic flow thanks to controlled access and infrastructure improvements.

Conclusion

Mumbai’s first Vande Bharat train depot near Ram Mandir station is more than just a rail yard—it’s a symbol of India’s growing focus on modern, sustainable, and high-speed transport infrastructure. With the project now rolling into action, residents can expect faster trains, cleaner surroundings, and better long-distance rail connectivity—all within a few years.

The depot's development, combined with the new Jogeshwari Terminus and supporting infrastructure upgrades, promises to usher Mumbai into a new age of railway efficiency and innovation.