Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project: NHSRCL completes groundwork for Sabarmati rolling stock depot

The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) said on Friday that it has completed the earthwork for the Sabarmati Rolling Stock depot for the ambitious Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project. It further said that the foundation works and reinforcement cement concrete (RCC) works for the administrative building are in progress.

Designed to seamlessly integrate with the operational needs of the Bullet Train Project, the Sabarmati Rolling Stock Depot encompasses state-of-the-art facilities aimed at both light and heavy maintenance of train sets. Spread across an impressive 83 hectares, it is the largest of the three depots and is equipped with cutting-edge equipment including inspection bays, washing plants, workshops, sheds, and stabling lines, an official release said.

According to the release, the Sabarmati depot which stands as a beacon of innovation, drawing inspiration from depots in Japan, features four inspection lines and 10 stabling lines, with plans for expansion to 8 inspection lines and 29 stabling lines in the future. Additionally, specialized facilities such as bogie exchange lines and general inspection lines have been incorporated to ensure comprehensive maintenance capabilities.

Key highlights of the Sabarmati Rolling Stock Depot include a dedicated test track for post-overhaul testing of trainsets, ensuring optimal performance before deployment on the mainline; and industrial sheds of unprecedented scale, providing ample space for maintenance and overhaul activities. Besides, it also houses centralized control facilities for efficient train shunting operations and overall depot management, and from dining rooms and canteens to auditoriums and training facilities, the depot offers a holistic environment for staff and personnel, the release said.

In line with sustainable practices, the Sabarmati Depot incorporates eco-friendly initiatives such as rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling. Rooftop rainwater harvesting and bore well water will fulfil the depot's water requirements, while modern sewage and effluent treatment plants ensure responsible management of waste, it said.

Furthermore, the depot is equipped for the segregation, compaction, and proper handling of garbage generated both onboard trains and within the depot premises, underscoring its commitment to saving the environment. The depot sheds and buildings are being designed so that solar panels can be installed in future. The Sabarmati Depot alone will have the potential for solar power generation of around 14 MW.

With a forward-looking approach, the Sabarmati Rolling Stock Depot is not just an example of technological prowess but also a blueprint for sustainable infrastructure development. As construction progresses, the depot to play a pivotal role in the success of the Mumbai Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project, setting new standards for efficiency, reliability, and environmental responsibility, the release added.