Puri–Howrah Vande Bharat Express to Run with 20 Coaches from May 16: ECoR

Bhubaneswar – The Puri–Howrah Vande Bharat Express, one of the most popular semi-high-speed trains in the region, will operate with an expanded 20-coach configuration starting May 16, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) announced on Thursday.

The decision to augment the train’s capacity comes in response to rising demand and increasing passenger traffic, especially from tourists and regular commuters on the busy corridor. As per ECoR officials, four additional AC Chair Car coaches are being added to the train.

Following the augmentation, the new coach composition will consist of 16 AC Chair Car coaches, 2 Executive Chair Car coaches, and 2 Crew & AC Chair Car coaches. This enhancement is expected to significantly reduce waitlists and improve overall travel convenience for passengers.

“The Puri–Howrah Vande Bharat Express has seen tremendous popularity since its launch. This augmentation reflects our commitment to passenger satisfaction and seamless travel experience,” said an ECoR spokesperson.

Railway authorities stated that the move was finalized after a detailed assessment of passenger patronage and seasonal travel demand. The train has become a preferred choice for both local travelers and tourists visiting the coastal and cultural attractions of Odisha and West Bengal.

With the addition of extra coaches, the service aims to provide greater comfort and accessibility while further reinforcing its reputation as a premium and efficient mode of intercity travel.

The Vande Bharat Express is India’s flagship semi-high-speed train service, known for its speed, comfort, and onboard amenities, and the Puri–Howrah route continues to be a model for its growing success.