Mumbai is set to witness a significant enhancement in rail connectivity as Central Railway announces the augmentation of the Solapur-CSMT Vande Bharat Express to 20 coaches. The move, aimed at addressing rising passenger demand, will add four additional chair car coaches to the premium service, increasing seating capacity by 312 and providing a total of 1,440 seats for commuters.
The upgraded service reflects Central Railway’s commitment to improving passenger experience while promoting efficient and sustainable rail travel. The train’s new composition includes two Executive Chair Cars with 52 seats each, 16 standard Chair Cars with 78 seats each, and two Chair Cars adjacent to the loco-pilot and guard cabins with 44 seats each. This expansion will ensure greater accessibility for daily and occasional travellers on the high-demand Mumbai–Solapur corridor. According to railway officials, the upgraded 20-coach configuration will be operational from 28 August 2025 for Train No. 22225 (CSMT Mumbai–Solapur) and from 29 August 2025 for Train No. 22226 (Solapur–CSMT Mumbai). Experts indicate that such expansions are crucial for decongesting existing services, particularly during peak travel periods, while offering the comfort and speed associated with the Vande Bharat Express.
The augmentation aligns with India’s broader push to modernise railway infrastructure and enhance urban-to-urban mobility. Analysts highlight that increasing coach capacity on high-traffic routes not only improves travel convenience but also reduces reliance on road transport, thereby lowering vehicular emissions and contributing to more sustainable urban mobility. Railway officials emphasise that the additional coaches have been configured to maintain service punctuality and operational efficiency, which are central to the Vande Bharat Express’s reputation. The expansion also reflects the railways’ ongoing strategy to balance high-speed travel with environmental sustainability, providing more passengers the opportunity to experience a premium and eco-conscious mode of transport.
Passengers travelling on the Solapur–Mumbai corridor can now expect a more comfortable and spacious journey, particularly as the new coaches will reduce overcrowding in the Chair Cars and offer enhanced seating options for long-distance commuters. Railway experts note that strategic expansion like this demonstrates the administration’s proactive approach to demand-driven infrastructure development, catering to both passenger convenience and broader environmental considerations. Central Railway officials urge travellers to book their tickets in advance to take advantage of the upgraded facilities and enjoy uninterrupted, efficient, and modern travel between Mumbai and Solapur. The initiative also underlines the commitment of the railways to continuously improve passenger services while adhering to sustainability and efficiency principles in India’s rapidly expanding urban transport network.
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