TVM–Mangaluru Vande Bharat begins service with 16 coaches

The Thiruvananthapuram–Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express began its service with 16 coaches on Thursday, following Southern Railway's decision to double the number of coaches from the existing eight. Despite the increase in coaches, the journey was fully booked, highlighting the high demand on the route.

With the expansion, 530 additional seats have been made available. The number of Executive Chair Cars has also been increased to two.

The launch of the 16-coach service has brought relief to passengers who had consistently complained about difficulties in securing seats and long waiting lists. However, all services this week show waiting lists exceeding 100.

Moreover, a new Vande Bharat sleeper train has been recommended in the Thiruvananthapuram – Bengaluru route, said the general manager of the Southern Railway at the recent meeting of the MPs in the Thiruvananthapuram division. An additional Palakkad–Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat would also be considered if the pit line starts functioning at the Palakkad town station, he said.