Vande Bharat Express Between Mumbai Central and Ahmedabad Upgraded to Permanent 20-Coach Formation, Indian Railways Announces Major Capacity Expansion
Indian Railways has permanently upgraded the Mumbai Central–Ahmedabad Vande Bharat Express to a 20-coach formation from 28 April 2026. The move adds capacity with AC Chair Cars and Executive Class coaches, easing passenger demand and improving travel comfort on the 491 km high-speed route.
Previously operating with 16 coaches, the train has now been expanded by adding four additional coaches. These include three AC Chair Car coaches and one Executive Class coach, significantly increasing the total passenger capacity. What was earlier a temporary arrangement has now been made permanent due to sustained high demand on the corridor.
The decision has been taken in response to the continuously rising number of passengers traveling between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, one of India’s busiest intercity routes. The increased demand had led to persistent waiting lists, prompting the railway authorities to enhance capacity and improve accessibility for travelers.
The Mumbai Central–Ahmedabad route covers a distance of approximately 491 kilometers, which the Vande Bharat Express completes in around 5 hours and 30 minutes. During its journey, the train halts at key stations including Borivali, Vapi, Surat, and Vadodara. The route is widely regarded as crucial for passengers traveling for business, employment, and education purposes.
At present, Indian Railways operates a total of 162 Vande Bharat services across the country. Out of these, 90 trains run with 8 coaches, 34 trains operate with 16 coaches, and 38 trains now run with 20 coaches. This means approximately 23 percent of all Vande Bharat services are configured with 20 coaches.
Vande Bharat Express trains are known for their high speed, modern design, clean interiors, and enhanced passenger comfort. On several routes, travel time has been reduced by up to 45 percent compared to conventional services. With the latest upgrade on the Mumbai Central–Ahmedabad corridor, passengers are expected to benefit from improved seating availability, reduced congestion, and a more comfortable travel experience.
The permanent expansion of the 20-coach Vande Bharat Express on this route marks a major milestone in Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to modernize intercity travel and address rising passenger demand with faster and more efficient services.a

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