The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has announced the addition of four AC Chair Car coaches to the Puri–Howrah Vande Bharat Express.
With this augmentation, the semi high-speed train will operate with 20 coaches starting May 16, 2025. According to an official release issued on Thursday, the upgraded rake composition will now include 16 AC Chair Car Coaches, two Executive Chair Car Coaches, and two Crew-cum-AC Chair Car Coaches. The move comes after a detailed review of passenger patronage trends, confirming the Puri–Howrah route as one of the most preferred by both daily commuters and tourists.
The train, part of the prestigious Vande Bharat series, has seen growing popularity due to its reduced travel time and enhanced onboard amenities. The added capacity is expected to ease travel congestion, shorten waiting lists, and improve the overall passenger experience. ECoR officials expressed confidence that the expansion will further boost the train’s appeal and support regional connectivity goals.
The Puri–Howrah Vande Bharat Express has played a significant role in linking Odisha and West Bengal with fast, comfortable service, and this latest move aims to ensure smoother journeys for an expanding ridership base.
