Jodhpur-Sabarmati Vande Bharat Express to Get 16 Coaches, Capacity to Double

Sabarmati: The Jodhpur–Sabarmati Vande Bharat Express is set to undergo a major capacity upgrade, with plans to increase its coach composition from 8 to 16 coaches, doubling its passenger capacity from 530 to approximately 1,060 seats.

The Jodhpur Division of North Western Railway has submitted a positive operational feasibility report to the railway headquarters following a request from the Railway Board. The date for implementing the expanded coach composition will be decided by the Railway Board.

Currently, the train operates with one Executive Chair Car and seven Chair Cars. Following the expansion, it will comprise two Executive Chair Cars with 104 seats and 14 Chair Cars offering 956 seats, taking the total capacity to 1,060 seats.

Along with the increase in coaches, the train’s entire rake will also be replaced. Currently operating with a white-coloured rake, the Vande Bharat Express is expected to switch to a saffron-coloured rake.

Passenger demand drives capacity expansion

The Jodhpur–Sabarmati Vande Bharat Express, numbered 12461/12462, was the first Vande Bharat service introduced from Jodhpur. It commenced operations on July 9, 2023.

Although the train initially witnessed relatively low passenger occupancy during its first eight to nine months, demand has steadily increased over time, driven by its growing popularity.

According to railway data, the train completed 4,646 trips between July 9, 2023, and June 30, 2026, carrying more than 13 lakh passengers. Against its existing capacity of 530 seats, the service currently receives daily ticket demand of approximately 600 to 650 passengers.

The rising demand has emerged as the primary reason behind the proposed capacity enhancement. DeshGujarat