Rail Update: Vande Bharat Scaled Up, Karnavati Diversions Extended
file photo
Staff Report
Dubai ,UAE
MUMBAI, INDIA – The Western Railway has formally introduced a permanent twenty-coach train service for the Ahmedabad-Mumbai Central Vande Bharat Express, which will take effect from April 28, 2026. This step has been taken after a trial run of the temporary increase, which was undertaken in view of the continued high passenger numbers on one of the most crucial commercial routes in India. With the addition of four more AC Chair Car coaches, the total number of extra seats per trip now stands at 278.
As there is a definite rise in capacity in terms of Vande Bharat trains, yet due to the operational necessities that arise due to infrastructure development in the area, there has been an expansion in the duration of the terminal shift of the Karnavati Express train service. At least up to April 27, 2026, Karnavati Express will depart and arrive at Bandra Terminus instead of Mumbai Central Railway Station. This measure has been taken as one among several others to ease the pressure on the terminal station and facilitate the launch of heavy precast portal beams for the Bullet Train.
The railway authority stressed the need for these developments to be undertaken in order to ensure the punctuality of the trains when the system is undergoing rapid modernization. The new station will allow engineers to conduct traffic blocks without affecting the timetabling of the trains on the western line like what was done in the case of the Geratpur-Ahmedabad section. It is important to note that despite the new station, the timetables of the intermediate stations such as Surat, Vadodara, and Vapi remain the same.
As the Western Railway progresses towards better infrastructure, it is advised that passengers remain up to date through digital channels offered by Western Railway. The permanent addition of the Vande Bharat trains denotes a long-term investment into fast and efficient rail transport, despite the conventional rail services having to adjust to the changing terrain of the route. Passengers are advised to take into consideration extra traveling time while using Bandra Terminus Station.