Indian Railways Expands Vande Bharat Capacity on 7 Routes

02 Sep 2025 CW Team

Routes receiving coach upgrades include:

16 to 20 coaches:

Mangaluru Central–Thiruvananthapuram Central, Secunderabad–Tirupati, and Chennai Egmore–Tirunelveli.

8 to 16 coaches:

Madurai–Bengaluru Cantonment, Deoghar–Varanasi, Howrah–Rourkela, and Indore–Nagpur.

The move follows impressive ridership figures—occupancy rates stood at over 102 per cent in FY 2024–25 and exceeded 105 per cent in the current financial year through June. According to Dilip Kumar, Executive Director (Information and Publicity), Railway Board, “Based on current data, three 16-coach trains will be upgraded to 20 coaches and four 8-coach services will be doubled to 16.”

Railway officials have confirmed that new 20-coach rakes are being prepared, while released rakes from the upgraded trains will be redeployed to serve additional routes.

Meanwhile, on 26 August, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis flagged off the new Nanded–Mumbai Vande Bharat Express via video link. Describing the service as a “gateway to prosperity” for the Marathwada region, Fadnavis highlighted the significance of Nanded as a major Sikh pilgrimage destination.

The train, which departed Hazur Sahib Nanded at 11.20 am and is scheduled to reach Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in south Mumbai by 9.55 pm, will reduce journey times by approximately two hours compared to existing trains. Officials noted that the route also connects other prominent religious and heritage sites, including the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, Shirdi Sai Baba temple, and the Ajanta–Ellora caves.

The Nanded service is part of Indian Railways' broader strategy to expand high-speed, comfortable, and efficient rail travel while supporting tourism, regional development, and sustainable transport solutions.

In response to rising passenger demand, Indian Railways is expanding capacity on seven high-traffic Vande Bharat routes by upgrading the number of coaches. The Railway Board has approved converting 16-coach trains to 20-coach formations and doubling 8-coach trains to 16 coaches, based on occupancy and feasibility studies through mid-2025.Routes receiving coach upgrades include:16 to 20 coaches:Mangaluru Central–Thiruvananthapuram Central, Secunderabad–Tirupati, and Chennai Egmore–Tirunelveli.8 to 16 coaches:Madurai–Bengaluru Cantonment, Deoghar–Varanasi, Howrah–Rourkela, and Indore–Nagpur.The move follows impressive ridership figures—occupancy rates stood at over 102 per cent in FY 2024–25 and exceeded 105 per cent in the current financial year through June. According to Dilip Kumar, Executive Director (Information and Publicity), Railway Board, “Based on current data, three 16-coach trains will be upgraded to 20 coaches and four 8-coach services will be doubled to 16.”Railway officials have confirmed that new 20-coach rakes are being prepared, while released rakes from the upgraded trains will be redeployed to serve additional routes.Meanwhile, on 26 August, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis flagged off the new Nanded–Mumbai Vande Bharat Express via video link. Describing the service as a “gateway to prosperity” for the Marathwada region, Fadnavis highlighted the significance of Nanded as a major Sikh pilgrimage destination.The train, which departed Hazur Sahib Nanded at 11.20 am and is scheduled to reach Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in south Mumbai by 9.55 pm, will reduce journey times by approximately two hours compared to existing trains. Officials noted that the route also connects other prominent religious and heritage sites, including the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, Shirdi Sai Baba temple, and the Ajanta–Ellora caves.The Nanded service is part of Indian Railways' broader strategy to expand high-speed, comfortable, and efficient rail travel while supporting tourism, regional development, and sustainable transport solutions.

Infrastructure Energy

17 Dec 2025

Vedanta Aluminium Uses 1.57 bn Units of Green Energy in FY25

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, recently reported consumption of 1.57 billion units of renewable energy in FY25, marking a significant milestone in its 2030 decarbonisation roadmap. The company also achieved an 8.96 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity compared to FY21, reinforcing its leadership in India’s low-carbon manufacturing transition. During FY25, Vedanta Aluminium expanded its renewable energy portfolio through long-term power purchase agreements, strengthening its strategy to source nearly 1,500 MW of renewable power over the lon..

Real Estate

17 Dec 2025

Oberoi Group to Develop Luxury Resort at Makaibari Tea Estate

EIH Limited, the flagship company of The Oberoi Group, has announced the signing of a management agreement to develop an Oberoi luxury resort at the iconic Makaibari Tea Estate in Darjeeling. The project marks a key milestone in the Group’s long-term strategy of creating distinctive hospitality experiences in rare and environmentally significant locations. Established in 1859, Makaibari is one of the world’s oldest tea estates and is globally recognised for its Himalayan landscape, primary forests and exceptional biodiversity. Spread across 1,236 acres, the estate houses one of the world�..

Real Estate

17 Dec 2025

GHV Infra Secures Rs 1.09 Bn EPC Order in Jamshedpur

GHV Infra Projects Ltd, a fast-growing EPC company in India’s infrastructure and construction sector, has recently secured a Rs 1.09 billion work order in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Awarded by a reputed group entity, the contract covers end-to-end civil construction, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems, along with high-quality finishing works for a large building development. The project will be executed over a 30-month period, with defined benchmarks for quality, safety and timely delivery. The order strengthens GHV Infra’s footprint in Jamshedpur, a key industrial hub known fo..