Southern Railways Introduces Mid-Route Booking for Vande Bharat Tickets Across Routes
Thiruvananthapuram has witnessed a significant enhancement in rail travel convenience as Southern Railway introduces mid-route ticket booking for Vande Bharat Express trains. Effective July 17, 2025, this pivotal change allows passengers to secure vacant seats up to 15 minutes before departure at intermediate stations. This strategic modification aims to optimise train capacity and foster greater accessibility, contributing to a more efficient and equitable public transportation network across the region.
Previously, a notable limitation within the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) prevented passengers from making current bookings once a Vande Bharat Express train had departed its originating point. This often resulted in valuable vacant seats remaining unused for portions of the journey, representing an inefficient utilisation of a premium public asset. The newly implemented system directly addresses this challenge, enabling on-the-spot bookings for available accommodation, thereby maximising seat occupancy and enhancing the operational efficiency of these high-speed services.
This modification applies to eight Vande Bharat services originating within the Southern Railway zone, including those traversing through Kerala. Trains such as the 20631 Mangaluru Central–Thiruvananthapuram Central Vande Bharat Express and its return service, the 20632 Thiruvananthapuram Central–Mangaluru Central Vande Bharat Express, are among those set to benefit. Railway officials anticipate that this improvement will not only significantly enhance the overall travel experience but also strategically optimise train capacity across the network, leading to a more sustainable use of existing rail infrastructure.
The introduction of mid-route booking offers considerable flexibility to passengers, particularly those boarding from intermediate stops who may require spontaneous travel options. This democratisation of access to premium rail services aligns with the vision of creating more equitable cities, ensuring that a wider demographic can leverage the benefits of modern rail travel. By making Vande Bharat Express more accessible and responsive to real-time demand, the initiative encourages a shift towards efficient public transport, contributing to reduced reliance on less sustainable modes of travel and supporting the broader goal of achieving zero net carbon emissions.
This progressive step by Southern Railway underscores a commitment to continuous improvement in passenger convenience and operational effectiveness. By adapting its booking systems to meet contemporary travel needs, the railway network reinforces its role as a cornerstone of sustainable urban and regional connectivity. The enhancement is expected to foster greater public trust and ridership in Vande Bharat services, ensuring that India’s modern rail infrastructure serves the larger interests of society by providing reliable, flexible, and accessible transportation for all.
