BENGALURU (Metro Rail News): The South Western Railway (SWR) has begun the land acquisition process for Bengaluru’s Vande Bharat sleeper trains maintenance depot project in Thanisandra, Karnataka. 

Regular and heavy maintenance of Vande Bharat sleeper trains cannot be done at ordinary stations because of their complex systems. The sleeper versions are longer and heavier, requiring more space, longer stabling lines, and larger maintenance facilities. Because these sleeper rakes are being manufactured by ICF (Chennai) and BEML (Bengaluru), a dedicated depot in Bengaluru makes logistical sense. The Thanisandra depot will feature specialized workshops, pits, cranes, and equipment to carry out scheduled maintenance efficiently in the future, acting as the home base for Vande Bharat sleeper trains in South India.

The depot is being built on the Channasandra–Yelahanka railway section near the existing Thanisandra railway station, which is very close to Manyata Tech Park. Another major advantage is its proximity to BEML (Bharat Earth Movers Limited), where many Vande Bharat coaches are manufactured. Additionally, Thanisandra will benefit from the upcoming Heelalige–Rajankunte Corridor of the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project.

SWR has officially notified plans to acquire 13.95 hectares (approximately 34.48 acres) of land for the depot. While some land around the existing Thanisandra railway station and tracks already belongs to Indian Railways, the project requires additional land from private owners. Consequently, the railways have started the formal acquisition process for 14 private land parcels.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the ₹270 crore allocation for the Thanisandra Vande Bharat Sleeper maintenance depot during the flag off ceremony of Bengaluru–Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper service in May 2026.

Also Read: India’s First Hydrogen Train gears up for launch on 17th July