A ₹135 crore integrated coaching depot (ICD) is set to be developed in Ranavav, Porbandar district, Gujarat, to strengthen railway maintenance capacity and meet the rising demand for modern train services.
The facility will be equipped to service Vande Bharat and Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches, which are central to Indian Railways’ modernisation drive. Known for their enhanced safety features, higher speed potential, and passenger comfort, these coaches require specialised infrastructure for inspection, repair, and upkeep. The Ranavav ICD will cater to these needs, improving operational readiness and reducing downtime.
Strategically located, the depot will support existing routes and future network expansions. It is designed to speed up coach turnaround times, increasing train availability for passenger services. The facility will feature advanced inspection bays, automated washing lines, and dedicated repair units, adhering to the highest technical and safety standards.
Steel will be a key material in the depot’s construction, from the structural frameworks of the maintenance sheds to heavy-duty inspection platforms, gantries, and track-supporting infrastructure. The durability, load-bearing capacity, and corrosion resistance of steel make it essential for withstanding intensive daily operations and Gujarat’s coastal climate. The project will contribute to steady demand for structural and fabricated steel, benefiting the domestic steel industry.
Officials emphasise that the ICD will improve operational efficiency in the region, particularly with the growing deployment of Vande Bharat trains and expansion of LHB-based services. The construction phase will generate local employment, while long-term operations will require skilled technical staff.
Once operational, the depot will reduce maintenance bottlenecks, improve train reliability, and strengthen Indian Railways’ maintenance backbone. It represents both an infrastructure milestone and a boost for the steel sector, which remains a vital partner in building and sustaining the country’s modern railway network.
