Contract signed for Thane Rolling Stock Depot of Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development for India's ambitious high-speed rail endeavor, the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has formalized a contract agreement with M/s Dineshchandra R Agrawal-Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) JV for the design and construction of the Thane Rolling Stock Depot in Maharashtra. This agreement marks a crucial step forward in the implementation of the Mumbai – Ahmedabad High-Speed Corridor, commonly known as the Bullet Train Project.

The contract signing ceremony, attended by Vivek Kumar Gupta, Managing Director of NHSRCL, along with directors, senior officers of NHSRCL, and representatives from JICC, MLIT Japan, JICA, and the Embassy of Japan in India, underscores the collaborative efforts involved in this transformative project.

Scope of Work

The scope of work outlined in the agreement encompasses Civil Works, Inspection Sheds, Maintenance Depot, and the crucial Installation, Testing, and Commissioning of Maintenance facilities. The Thane depot, sprawling over approximately 55 hectares, will serve as a vital hub for the upkeep and light maintenance of the high-speed train sets.

Initially, the depot will feature four inspection lines and ten stabling lines, with provisions for future expansion to eight and 31 lines, respectively. The depot's facilities will adhere to Shinkansen standards, drawing from the rich experience of Shinkansen depots in Japan.

Procurement from Japan

A noteworthy aspect of the project involves the procurement of about 200 units of 40 types of depot machinery from Japan. These cutting-edge machinery, including a bogie exchange machine, underfloor wheel re-profiling machine, testers, data readers, ultrasonic flaw detectors, and a trainset washing plant, will play a pivotal role in maintaining the high-speed train sets.

Network of Rolling Stock Depots

The Mumbai – Ahmedabad High-Speed Corridor will be serviced by three Rolling Stock depots strategically located at Sabarmati and Surat in Gujarat, and Thane in Maharashtra. Each of these depots is meticulously designed, drawing inspiration from the successful Shinkansen depots in Japan.

Progress and Future Initiatives

Apart from the Thane Rolling Stock Depot, NHSRCL has issued a Letter of Acceptance for the 'Design and Construction of Thane Rolling Stock Depot' in Maharashtra to M/s Dineshchandra-DMRC JV. The project's comprehensive nature includes Civil works, Inspection sheds, a maintenance Depot, and the installation, Testing, and Commissioning of Maintenance facilities.

The commitment to green initiatives and sustainable practices is evident in the water resource management strategies implemented across these depots. The Sabarmati depot, for instance, will heavily rely on harvested rooftop rainwater and bore well water, with minimal dependence on municipal supply. Thane Depot will also feature similar water resource management practices.

Green Depot Features

The green depots stand out with their emphasis on optimal land utilization, efficient workflow, and a safe, comfortable working environment. Noteworthy features include solar-ready designs for future installation, noise control measures, dust suppression, proper ventilation, and modern material handling and storage systems.

The signing of the contract agreement for the Thane Rolling Stock Depot signifies a crucial milestone in the realization of India's high-speed rail aspirations. With a focus on cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and international collaboration, NHSRCL is poised to redefine the future of rail transport in the country.