A permanent capacity increase on the Mumbai Central–Ahmedabad Vande Bharat Express route will be implemented starting Tuesday. The train, now operating with 20 coaches, aims to address seat shortages due to growing passenger demand. The augmentation includes the addition of three AC Chair Car coaches and one Executive Class coach, up from the previous 16 coaches.
Initially introduced to manage peak demand, the expansion has now been made permanent due to sustained high occupancy levels. Indian Railways officials stated that this decision is in response to the overwhelming demand the service has experienced since its inception. The move is seen as aligning capacity with the increasing reliance of passengers on this service.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor, spanning 491 kilometers and with stops at Borivali, Vapi, Surat, and Vadodara, completes the journey in about five hours and 30 minutes. Serving a diverse passenger base including business travelers, students, daily commuters, and tourists, the route has become increasingly popular.
Data from the railway authority reveals that out of the 162 operational Vande Bharat services nationwide, 38 trains operate with 20-coach formations. Passenger numbers have been on the rise, with nearly four crore passengers traveling on Vande Bharat Express services during the 2025–26 financial year, marking a 34 percent year-on-year increase.
Railway authorities attribute the popularity of these trains to reduced travel times, enhanced punctuality, and upgraded onboard amenities. The services are equipped with safety features like Kavach, automatic plug doors, ergonomic seats, catering infrastructure, mobile charging points, and CCTV surveillance, catering to the needs of all passengers.
