Central Railway has announced the expansion of the Solapur–CSMT Mumbai Vande Bharat Express, which will begin operating with 20 coaches from August 28. The move is expected to ease the surge in passenger bookings on the popular high-speed corridor and provide a more comfortable journey for commuters.
According to railway officials, the upgrade involves the addition of four extra Chair Car coaches, creating 312 new seats. This takes the total seating capacity of the train to 1,440 passengers, making it one of the largest Vande Bharat Express services currently operating in the country. Officials said that passenger bookings on this route had been consistently high, prompting the need for an expansion to meet public demand. The revised configuration includes two Executive Chair Cars offering 52 seats each, 16 standard Chair Cars with 78 seats each, and two smaller Chair Cars of 44 seats each, positioned next to the locomotive and guard cabins. This structured seating arrangement ensures that the upgraded rake balances both premium comfort and high-capacity efficiency.
The new 20-coach configuration will first be implemented on Train No. 22225 CSMT Mumbai–Solapur from August 28, followed by Train No. 22226 Solapur–CSMT Mumbai from August 29. Officials noted that the expansion is strategically timed to coincide with the festive season, when travel demand traditionally peaks across Maharashtra. Railway authorities underscored that the expansion was designed not only to enhance passenger convenience but also to strengthen the operational efficiency of the network. The Vande Bharat Express has already gained significant popularity for reducing travel time between major cities, and its growth is being seen as an indicator of India’s evolving preference for sustainable and high-speed rail travel.
Experts observed that the shift towards rail-based intercity connectivity has broader implications for sustainable urbanisation. By encouraging travellers to opt for energy-efficient rail transport instead of private vehicles or short-haul flights, the Vande Bharat Express contributes to reducing congestion, emissions, and the carbon footprint of intercity mobility. Officials reiterated that the expansion aligns with Indian Railways’ larger vision of developing green and future-ready transport infrastructure. For passengers, however, the immediate benefit lies in reduced waiting lists and greater availability of seats during high-demand periods. Officials noted that the service has emerged as a lifeline for Solapur commuters, offering a faster and more reliable option to Mumbai’s financial hub.
The expansion of the Solapur–Mumbai Vande Bharat Express stands as both a response to public demand and a symbolic step in India’s ongoing rail modernisation drive. While questions remain over how Indian Railways can maintain affordable pricing alongside premium service quality, the addition of new capacity underscores the central role that modern trains are set to play in shaping India’s urban mobility future.
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