Kerala's Third Vande Bharat Express Upgraded to 16 Coaches
Yesterday, railway authorities announced that Kerala's third Vande Bharat Express has been expanded to 16 coaches following nine months of operation.
The Vande Bharat Express, India’s semi-high-speed train service, has been a focal point of the country’s efforts to modernize its railway network since its introduction. Kerala’s third Vande Bharat service, which began operations nine months ago, has now been upgraded to 16 coaches, reflecting efforts to enhance capacity and passenger convenience. This development aligns with broader initiatives to improve connectivity and travel experiences in the state, particularly along routes that serve both local commuters and tourists. The upgrade comes as demand for efficient, high-speed rail services continues to grow across the country.
Yesterday, the Kerala’s third Vande Bharat Express, which connects the state’s capital Thiruvananthapuram to the temple town of Kollam, was upgraded to 16 coaches, marking a significant enhancement in capacity and service offerings nine months after its inaugural run. The upgrade, confirmed by Indian Railways, reflects efforts to meet rising passenger demand and improve travel convenience on the 84-kilometer route that serves both daily commuters and tourists (Indian Express).
Operational since September 2025, the Thiruvananthapuram-Kollam Vande Bharat service initially ran with 14 coaches, a standard configuration for the semi-high-speed trains introduced to modernize India’s rail network. The addition of two more coaches, including a second power car, increases seating capacity by approximately 15%, aligning with the route’s growing popularity. The train, known for its tilting technology and faster speeds on curves, has become a preferred mode of travel for those seeking efficient connectivity between southern Kerala’s urban centers and pilgrimage sites (Indian Express).
This development underscores broader initiatives by Indian Railways to prioritize regional connectivity and passenger experience. Kerala, with its dense rail network and high tourist footfall, has emerged as a key focus area for such upgrades. The Vande Bharat fleet, which now includes over 60 trains nationwide, represents a push toward self-reliance in manufacturing and technological advancement, with most components produced domestically. The Kerala service, in particular, has been highlighted for its role in reducing travel time between Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam to under two hours, compared to over three hours by conventional trains (Indian Express).
While the upgrade addresses current demand, challenges remain in scaling such services. Delays in infrastructure upgrades, such as electrification of tracks and station modernization, continue to cap the full potential of high-speed rail in the region. Additionally, maintenance of the advanced Vande Bharat fleet requires specialized facilities, which are still being expanded across the country. For now, passengers on the Thiruvananthapuram-Kollam route can expect more seating and potentially reduced wait times, though further enhancements will depend on ongoing investments in Kerala’s rail infrastructure (Indian Express).
Indian Express