Longer Vande Bharat trains set to run on high-demand routes

New Delhi: The railways will run longer Vande Bharat trains of up to 20 coaches on select existing routes with higher demand, officials said, adding that a tentative plan for replacement of these trains is being readied on the basis of occupancy.

"Three Vande Bharat trains of 16 coaches will be turned into 20-car trains. Another four trains, with eight coaches, will be turned to those with 16 cars," said one of the officials, who did not wish to be identified.

The railways currently runs 144 Vande Bharat train services. The overall occupancy of Vande Bharat Express trains in 2024-25 stood at 102.01% and in the first quarter of this financial year at 105.03%. There are currently 10 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains under production.