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The much-awaited 20-coach Vande Bharat Express has arrived in Kerala, set to replace the current 16-coach Mangaluru-Thiruvananthapuram service. The official launch date will be finalized after necessary inspections at the Mangaluru depot. With this upgrade, passenger capacity will increase from 1,016 to 1,336 seats.
Earlier in January, the Thiruvananthapuram-Kasaragod Vande Bharat also received a similar enhancement, expanding from 16 to 20 coaches. According to railway officials, confirmation on deploying this upgraded rake on the Mangaluru-Thiruvananthapuram route will be made once the induction date is officially announced.
Future Developments for Kerala's Rail System
Earlier reports had suggested that Kerala could receive a third Vande Bharat train equipped with chair car coaches. In addition, announcements made in November last year indicated that 10 new Namo Bharat trains would be introduced in the state, with fares starting at just ₹30. However, no recent updates have been provided regarding these developments.
The deployment of the newly arrived rake for the Mangaluru-Thiruvananthapuram route is still under review, and railway authorities are expected to share further details once an official induction date is finalized. If introduced, these additional services are likely to significantly boost connectivity across Kerala.
For now, the arrival of the upgraded Vande Bharat train marks an important milestone in strengthening the state's railway network. With higher seating capacity, it aims to accommodate more passengers while offering improved travel comfort along key routes.
