Bullet Train Project To Gather Speed As Contract Agreement Signed For Thane Rolling Stock Depot

In a significant stride forward for the bullet train project, the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) signed a contract agreement with Dineshchandra R Agrawal-Delhi Metro Rail Corporation joint venture for design and construction of Thane Rolling Stock Depot in Maharashtra.

Earlier in December 2022, the NHSRCL had invited tenders to construct the Thane Depot with a construction deadline of five and a half years.

The scope of the work under the contract package D-1 includes civil works, inspection sheds, maintenance depot, and installation, testing, and commissioning of maintenance facilities, in the Thane depot.

The Thane Depot will spread over in an area of about 55 hectares and will have facilities for the upkeep and light maintenance of the trainsets. Initially, it will feature four inspection lines and 10 stabling lines, with plans for expansion to eight and 31 lines respectively in future.

Additionally, alongside the Thane Rolling Stock Depot, two more depots are currently under construction at Sabarmati and Surat in Gujarat for the high-speed train corridor.

The Sabarmati Rolling Stock Depot, boasting an expansive area of approximately 83 hectares, is set to be the largest among its counterparts.

It will be equipped with cutting-edge machinery for both light and heavy maintenance of trainsets, featuring inspection bays, washing plants, workshops, sheds, and stabling lines. Initially, it will accommodate 10 stabling lines, with plans for expansion to 29 lines in the future.

Construction for the Sabarmati Depot, entrusted to the Sojiz-L&T consortium, commenced on 5 January 2023.

Meanwhile, another depot is taking shape in Surat, covering an area of around 40 hectares.

This depot will serve as the initial destination for trainsets arriving from Japan and will provide essential facilities for their commissioning. The construction progress at the Surat Depot, undertaken by L&T, is advancing smoothly.