Southern Railway has permanently doubled the coaches of Vande Bharat Express between Bengaluru and Ernakulam from 8 to 16 coaches effective August 17, 2026, to meet the increasing passenger demand on the route serving Salem, Erode, Tiruppur and Coimbatore.
Coimbatore: Southern Railway has announced the permanent augmentation of coaches for the popular Vande Bharat Express trains operating between Bengaluru and Ernakulam, effective from August 17, 2026. The decision comes in response to overwhelming passenger demand on this crucial route.
The Bengaluru-Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express has been providing convenient connectivity and comfortable travel between the two major cities, serving important stations including Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, and Coimbatore along the way. The trains have gained immense popularity among passengers due to their modern facilities, pleasing ambience, and faster journey times.
Due to the very high patronage, the existing accommodation in the trains has proven insufficient to meet the travel requirements of the growing number of passengers. Recognizing this demand, railway authorities have decided to double the train composition permanently.
Train No. 26651/26652 KSR Bengaluru-Ernakulam Junction-KSR Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express, which currently runs with 8 coaches comprising 7 Chair Cars and 1 Executive Chair Car, will now operate with 16 coaches. The new composition will include 14 Chair Cars and 2 Executive Chair Cars, effectively doubling the seating capacity.
This permanent augmentation is expected to significantly ease the booking pressure and provide more travel options for passengers on this busy route. The enhanced capacity will benefit daily commuters, business travelers, and tourists traveling between Karnataka and Kerala via Tamil Nadu.
G Maria Michael, Public Relations Officer of Salem Division, Southern Railway, made the announcement regarding this passenger-friendly initiative. The augmentation reflects the railway's commitment to meeting passenger expectations and providing adequate accommodation on high-demand routes.
The Bengaluru-Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express has been providing convenient connectivity and comfortable travel between the two major cities, serving important stations including Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, and Coimbatore along the way. The trains have gained immense popularity among passengers due to their modern facilities, pleasing ambience, and faster journey times.
Due to the very high patronage, the existing accommodation in the trains has proven insufficient to meet the travel requirements of the growing number of passengers. Recognizing this demand, railway authorities have decided to double the train composition permanently.
Train No. 26651/26652 KSR Bengaluru-Ernakulam Junction-KSR Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express, which currently runs with 8 coaches comprising 7 Chair Cars and 1 Executive Chair Car, will now operate with 16 coaches. The new composition will include 14 Chair Cars and 2 Executive Chair Cars, effectively doubling the seating capacity.
This permanent augmentation is expected to significantly ease the booking pressure and provide more travel options for passengers on this busy route. The enhanced capacity will benefit daily commuters, business travelers, and tourists traveling between Karnataka and Kerala via Tamil Nadu.
G Maria Michael, Public Relations Officer of Salem Division, Southern Railway, made the announcement regarding this passenger-friendly initiative. The augmentation reflects the railway's commitment to meeting passenger expectations and providing adequate accommodation on high-demand routes.