Visakhapatnam sees four coach addition to Secunderabad Vande Bharat train increasing total to twenty from July 5
Visakhapatnam is set to witness a major capacity boost in its high-speed rail connectivity as the Vande Bharat Express running between Visakhapatnam and Secunderabad will now operate with four additional coaches starting from July 5, 2025. This change increases the total number of coaches in the train from sixteen to twenty, significantly expanding passenger capacity and easing the growing waitlist on this popular corridor.
The South Central Railway zone officially confirmed that the train composition will now include eighteen AC Chair Car coaches, up from the earlier fourteen, while maintaining the existing two Executive Chair Car coaches. The new configuration aims to serve the rising number of daily commuters, business travelers, and tourists who rely on this premium service for faster connectivity between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The train departs from Visakhapatnam Railway Station at 2:30 PM and reaches Secunderabad at 11:00 PM the same day. On its return, it starts the next morning from Secunderabad, making it one of the most preferred and efficient intercity connections in the southern rail network. The Vande Bharat Express has become a flagship service symbolizing modern, fast, and comfortable rail travel in India. The increased coach count comes after consistent passenger demand, particularly in peak seasons, where the waiting list would often exceed available seats within days of bookings opening.
The upgrade is not just limited to the rolling stock. The Visakhapatnam Railway Station is currently undergoing a major transformation to support the increased operational demands of the Vande Bharat fleet and to future-proof the station’s infrastructure. Among the planned enhancements is the increase in the number of platforms from the current eight to fourteen. Two of the six new platforms are being specially designed to serve as dedicated terminal platforms for the Vande Bharat trains, indicating the importance Indian Railways is placing on high-speed rail infrastructure in the region. A new dedicated coach maintenance depot specifically for Vande Bharat trains is also being established in Visakhapatnam. This facility will ensure that maintenance and upkeep of the trainsets are performed efficiently without logistical delays, allowing quicker turnaround times and better operational efficiency. The depot is expected to play a central role in managing future expansions and additional train services that may be routed through or originate from Visakhapatnam.
Other infrastructural developments at Visakhapatnam Railway Station include improved passenger accessibility with 36 new lifts, 24 escalators, ramps for persons with disabilities, and a 108-meter-long air concourse that will connect all platforms to the main terminal building. These upgrades are aligned with the Indian Railways’ modernization plans and Smart Station initiative, which aim to elevate the passenger experience to global standards. The Vande Bharat Express itself, operated on the Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist Train model, offers passengers a suite of modern facilities including plush seating, onboard infotainment systems, bio-vacuum toilets, sensor-based water taps, and foot massagers in certain classes. Security has also been enhanced with CCTV surveillance in all coaches and dedicated guards on board.
Railway officials have stated that the decision to increase the coach count was backed by detailed load factor assessments over the past twelve months. On most days, especially weekends and holidays, the trains would run at or near full capacity, with several passengers being waitlisted. By adding four more coaches, Indian Railways expects to accommodate nearly 280 to 300 additional passengers per trip. The move has been welcomed by regular travelers, especially those from Visakhapatnam and surrounding areas who rely on the Vande Bharat for business, education, and tourism-related travel to Hyderabad and central Telangana. The train’s fast travel time, reduced travel fatigue, and overall cleanliness have made it a preferred mode of transport over buses and even flights on certain occasions.
Tourism boards in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have also lauded the decision, pointing out that greater passenger capacity would translate to more footfall in key tourism hubs connected by the train route such as Vijayawada, Warangal, and Rajahmundry. Local businesses anticipate a boost in hotel bookings, dining, and retail activity as easier travel translates to more weekend and short-term trips. In the long term, officials from the South Central Railway have indicated that more routes from Visakhapatnam could be considered for Vande Bharat services depending on the success of this expanded operation. There are already discussions underway about connecting Visakhapatnam with major cities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka through future Vande Bharat extensions.
Visakhapatnam is steadily cementing its status as a key rail and transport hub on the east coast. With the addition of four coaches to the already high-performing Vande Bharat Express and massive investments in station redevelopment, the city is poised to benefit from improved mobility, better connectivity, and increased economic activity. Indian Railways’ consistent focus on the Vande Bharat ecosystem signals a long-term commitment to transforming passenger experience across Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities alike.
