Vande Bharat Express on Howrah Puri route expands to 20 coaches
Indian Railways has increased the number of coaches in the Puri-Howrah Vande Bharat Express from 16 to 20, enhancing passenger capacity and easing ticket availability on this popular route.
The upgrade was announced recently by the Ministry of Railways and affects train numbers 22895/22896. Following the increase, the Vande Bharat Express on this route will now run with 18 AC Chair Car coaches and 2 Executive Class coaches, a move expected to significantly reduce crowding, especially during weekends, holidays, and festival seasons. Union Minister of State for Education and Development of North Eastern Region, Sukant Majumdar, welcomed the decision. Hailing it as a “great gift” to West Bengal and devotees of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, Majumdar expressed gratitude to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav via a social media post. He noted that the 25 percent increase in coaches is a “big step towards faster and more comfortable travel” on the route.
The Howrah-Puri corridor is not only a vital transport link but also holds deep cultural and emotional significance, connecting Bengal to the sacred abode of Lord Jagannath. The expansion is expected to ease the long waiting lists and make travel more convenient for pilgrims and other passengers. Reports indicate that the Puri-Howrah Vande Bharat Express has maintained an occupancy rate of around 110 percent since its launch, underscoring the high demand. The addition of four new AC Chair Car coaches is a timely response to this demand, promising relief to many waiting ticket holders.
With this enhancement, Indian Railways continues to prioritise passenger comfort and aims to boost connectivity and tourism between West Bengal and Odisha.
