The seven routes where additional coaches will be introduced are Mangaluru Central-Thiruvananthapuram Central, Secunderabad–Tirupati, Chennai Egmore–Tirunelveli, Madurai–Bengaluru Cantt, Deoghar–Varanasi, Howrah- Rourkela and Indore–Nagpur.
Routes getting an upgrade:
Upgraded from 16 to 20 coaches: Mangaluru Central–Thiruvananthapuram Central, Secunderabad–Tirupati, Chennai Egmore–Tirunelveli.
Expanded from 8 to 16 coaches: Madurai–Bengaluru Cantonment, Deoghar–Varanasi, Howrah–Rourkela, Indore–Nagpur.
This move follows an impressive occupancy rate: over 102% in FY 2024-25 and a further uptick to over 105% in the current financial year through June. The strategy isn’t arbitrary — it’s anchored in passenger numbers and feasibility studies.
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According to Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity, Railway Board, “The 16-car train will be upgraded to 20-car and those having 8-car will be increased to 16-car. Based on occupancy for Financial Year 2025-26 (up to 31.07.2025) and feasibility for augmentation, a tentative augmentation of three 16-car Vande Bharat train services with 20-car and four 8-car Vande Bharat trains with 16-car has been planned”.
Railway executives also confirmed preparations are underway for an additional 20-coach sets, and released rakes from upgraded services will be redeployed to introduce new routes.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis flagged off the Nanded-Mumbai Vande Bharat train on August 26 describing it as a gateway to prosperity for the Marathwada region.
The CM flagged off the train via video conference from the state secretariat in Mumbai, while a formal programme was held at the Nanded railway station. Highlighting Nanded’s significance as a major pilgrimage centre for the Sikh community, Fadnavis said the new service would provide devotees and other travellers with a fast, comfortable and safe journey.
The train will reduce the journey time between Nanded and Mumbai by about two hours compared to other trains, as per railway officials.
The inaugural special train, decorated with flowers, left from Hazur Sahib Nanded station at 11.20 am and is expected to reach Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in south Mumbai by 9.55 pm.
Situated on the banks of the Godavari river, Nanded houses Gurdwara Hazur Sahib, which is an important pilgrimage site for Sikhs.
The Vande Bharat train route also links other major pilgrimage destinations, including the Grishneshwar jyotirlinga, Shirdi Sai Baba temple, and Ajanta-Ellora caves.
(With inputs from PTI)
