Vande Bharat Express Expands Seating: Travel Between Ahmedabad and Mumbai Just Got Easier

Western Railway has announced a temporary increase in the coach composition of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai Central Vande Bharat Express (train numbers 22961/22962) to accommodate growing passenger demand. Effective from January 26 to March 7, 2026, the train will operate with 20 coaches instead of the usual 16, adding four extra AC Chair Car coaches.

The additional coaches allow for 278 more passengers per trip, providing greater convenience and comfort on the high-speed journey between Ahmedabad and Mumbai Central. This move comes after the train, India’s 42nd Vande Bharat Express launched in March 2024, witnessed tremendous popularity among commuters.

Operating six days a week (excluding Sundays), the train covers approximately 491 km in about 5 hours and 40 minutes. Along its route, it stops at Vadodara Junction, Surat, Vapi, and Borivali, offering services in AC Chair Car (CC) and Executive Class (EC). Ticket categories include General, Tatkal, Senior Citizen, and Ladies quotas.

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The Vande Bharat Express, part of India’s “Make in India” initiative, is a semi-high-speed, self-propelled train with modern amenities like fully air-conditioned coaches, GPS-based passenger information systems, automatic doors, and comfortable seating. Designed for speeds up to 180 km/h, it significantly reduces travel time between major cities while ensuring safety and passenger comfort.

Western Railway officials said the temporary coach expansion is a proactive measure to enhance travel experience during peak demand months. The ministry emphasized that such upgrades are part of ongoing efforts to set new benchmarks in Indian rail travel and make high-speed rail journeys more accessible to passengers across the country.

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