The Mumbai Central–Gandhinagar Capital Vande Bharat Express has increased its passenger capacity by adding four additional AC chair car coaches to meet the growing commuter demand on one of India’s busiest business corridors. This upgrade, effective from 11 May, raised the train’s seating capacity from 1,128 to 1,440 passengers, allowing it to serve 936 more passengers daily in both directions. The increase was described as a practical measure to accommodate the surging demand on the busy Mumbai–Ahmedabad–Gandhinagar route, which regularly operates at over 150 percent seat occupancy. By enhancing the train’s capacity, the Western Railway expects to serve an additional 5,616 passengers weekly and over 260,000 passengers annually without changing the train’s frequency or schedule.

Earlier, the train operated with 16 coaches—two Executive Chair Cars and 14 AC Chair Cars. The semi-high-speed train now has 18 AC Chair Cars while retaining its two Executive Chair Cars. This strategic enhancement was intended not only to handle the growing number of passengers but also to strengthen the commitment to making high-speed intercity travel more inclusive, accessible, and environmentally friendly.

The Mumbai–Gandhinagar Vande Bharat Express is notable for being India’s first service under the Vande Bharat brand, representing the Railways’ push towards cleaner, smarter, and faster transportation. The train’s focus on reduced travel times, improved passenger comfort, and modern features has been credited with playing a significant role in transforming mobility along this economically important corridor.

News source: Urban Acres