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In response to surging passenger demand and consistently high occupancy rates, Indian Railways has announced a major capacity upgrade for its flagship Vande Bharat Express services. The Railway Board has approved the addition of coaches on seven busy routes, aiming to enhance comfort, reduce waitlists, and improve overall travel experience. The move is part of a broader strategy to optimize train formations based on real-time occupancy data and operational feasibility.
Currently, Indian Railways operates 144 Vande Bharat services across the country, with occupancy levels exceeding 105 percent in the first half of FY 2025–26. The new augmentation plan will see three 16-coach trains upgraded to 20-coach formations, while four 8-coach trains will be expanded to 16 coaches.
Key Highlights From The Upgrade Plan
- Seven routes selected for coach augmentation based on passenger load and route feasibility
- Three 16-coach trains to be upgraded to 20-coach: Mangaluru Central–Thiruvananthapuram Central, Secunderabad–Tirupati, Chennai Egmore–Tirunelveli
- Four 8-coach trains to be expanded to 16-coach: Madurai–Bengaluru Cantt, Deoghar–Varanasi, Howrah–Rourkela, Indore–Nagpur
- Released rakes from upgraded trains to be redeployed on new routes
- Additional 20-coach Vande Bharat trains under production for future launches
Routes Undergoing Coach Expansion
1. Mangaluru Central–Thiruvananthapuram Central
2. Secunderabad–Tirupati
3. Chennai Egmore–Tirunelveli
4. Madurai–Bengaluru Cantt
5. Deoghar–Varanasi
6. Howrah–Rourkela
7. Indore–Nagpur
The first three routes currently operate with 16-coach Vande Bharat trains and will be upgraded to 20-coach formations. The remaining four routes, which run with 8-coach trains, will be doubled to 16 coaches. This expansion is expected to significantly increase seating capacity and reduce congestion during peak travel periods.
Rationale Behind The Expansion
Indian Railways has adopted a data-driven approach to train augmentation, using occupancy metrics from FY 2025–26 (up to July 31) to identify routes with sustained demand. The decision also aligns with the broader goal of maximizing asset utilization and improving service quality across premium train categories.
The Railway Board has confirmed that the released rakes from upgraded services will be redeployed on new routes, allowing for network expansion without additional procurement delays. This strategy ensures efficient use of existing rolling stock while meeting growing passenger expectations.
Passenger Experience And Infrastructure Readiness
The upgraded trains will feature enhanced onboard amenities, including improved seating ergonomics, expanded luggage space, and upgraded infotainment systems. Station infrastructure along the selected routes is also being reviewed to accommodate longer train formations, including platform extensions and revised boarding protocols.
Railway officials have assured that the augmentation will be phased in without disrupting existing schedules. Maintenance depots and crew allocations are being adjusted to support the expanded services.
Future Outlook And Strategic Implications
The Vande Bharat expansion reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to modernizing its passenger services and responding dynamically to demand trends. With additional 20-coach trains under production, the network is poised for further growth in FY 2026 and beyond.
The initiative also supports India’s broader mobility goals, including faster intercity connectivity, reduced carbon footprint, and enhanced rail-based tourism. As Vande Bharat trains continue to redefine premium rail travel, capacity upgrades will play a crucial role in sustaining momentum and delivering value to passengers.
Conclusion: A Timely Boost For India’s Flagship Rail Service
The decision to add coaches to Vande Bharat trains on seven high-demand routes marks a strategic leap in Indian Railways’ service delivery. By aligning capacity with demand and optimizing fleet deployment, the railways are ensuring that Vande Bharat remains a benchmark for speed, comfort, and reliability in Indian transport.
Sources: The Hans India, OneIndia, Deccan Herald, Financial Express, Times of India
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