India, April 20 -- The Pune railway division plans to adopt a Japanese-style operational model by setting up a new coach depot at Alandi railway station on the Pune-Satara route at an estimated cost of Rs.97 crore. The proposed facility will be equipped to handle the daily maintenance and repair of around 100 coaches, including modern LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches and Vande Bharat Express rakes. The proposal is currently under consideration of the railway board and is expected to receive approval soon.

According to railway officials, the move comes on the back of rising land costs in Pune and limited availability of space at the main station. Under this system, trains arriving at Pune railway station will primarily cater to passenger...