New infrastructure at SECR’s High Horse Power Diesel Shed will support 250 electric locomotives, improve fleet utilisation and enhance operational efficiency

Key Highlights

• Indian Railways has approved a ₹175 crore project to create additional homing facilities for 250 three-phase electric locomotives at Raipur.
• The project will be developed at the High Horse Power (HHP) Diesel Shed under South East Central Railway (SECR).
• The new facility will strengthen locomotive maintenance infrastructure to support the expanding electric locomotive fleet.
• The project aims to optimise existing assets, improve maintenance efficiency and create capacity for future technological expansion.
• The initiative aligns with Indian Railways’ ongoing infrastructure modernisation and electrification programme.

Indian Railways Sanctions ₹175 Crore Homing Facility for 250 Electric Locomotives at Raipur

New Delhi, July 10, 2026: Indian Railways has approved a ₹175 crore infrastructure project to establish additional homing facilities for 250 three-phase electric locomotives at the High Horse Power (HHP) Diesel Shed in Raipur, under South East Central Railway (SECR).

The project is aimed at strengthening locomotive maintenance capabilities as Indian Railways continues to expand its electric locomotive fleet to meet rising passenger and freight demand across the country.

Boost to Maintenance Infrastructure

A locomotive’s homing shed serves as its primary maintenance base, where scheduled inspections, repairs, safety checks and routine upkeep are carried out to ensure reliable and efficient operations.

With the addition of new homing facilities, the Raipur depot will be equipped to accommodate and maintain an additional 250 electric locomotives, improving maintenance turnaround time and operational readiness.

Supporting Fleet Expansion

The investment forms part of Indian Railways’ broader strategy to expand maintenance infrastructure alongside the rapid growth of its electric locomotive network.

The project will help:

• Increase maintenance capacity for electric locomotives.
• Optimise utilisation of existing railway infrastructure.
• Improve fleet availability and operational efficiency.
• Support growing passenger and freight traffic.
• Create additional space for future technology upgrades and expansion at the Raipur depot.

The initiative reinforces Indian Railways’ commitment to building a modern, efficient and technology-driven rail network through continuous infrastructure enhancement.

Strengthening Rail Operations

As Indian Railways moves towards greater electrification and higher operational efficiency, expanding maintenance facilities has become critical to ensuring dependable train services and minimising downtime of locomotives.

The Raipur project is expected to play an important role in supporting the growing number of electric locomotives operating across central and eastern India, contributing to smoother rail operations and improved service reliability.

Hospitality & Travel Tourism Impact

While the project is primarily focused on railway operations, stronger locomotive maintenance infrastructure will contribute to more reliable passenger train services, improved punctuality and increased network efficiency. These improvements are expected to benefit domestic tourism by ensuring smoother connectivity to key destinations across Chhattisgarh and neighbouring states.

For the hospitality sector, enhanced rail reliability supports greater tourist mobility, business travel and conference tourism, while also strengthening freight logistics for food, beverages and hospitality supply chains. As Raipur continues to emerge as a commercial and transit hub, improved railway infrastructure will indirectly support hotel occupancy, tourism-related businesses and regional economic development.