Vande Bharat trains record high occupancy in FY26; Thiruvananthapuram-Mangaluru tops at 189.35%

In the fiscal year 2025-26, Vande Bharat trains achieved record-high passenger occupancy rates, with the Thiruvananthapuram-Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express leading the way at an impressive 189.35%. These semi-high-speed trains, manufactured by Chennai's Integral Coach Factory, offer modern amenities and advanced safety features to enhance passenger comfort.

According to a senior Railway Board official, Vande Bharat Chair Car trains maintained an overall occupancy of 99.10% during the same period. The first Vande Bharat Sleeper service, launched in January 2026 between Howrah and Kamakhya, recorded a consolidated occupancy of 114.54%.

The Thiruvananthapuram Central-Mangaluru Central Vande Bharat service, operated by train number 20631 on the return journey, had the highest occupancy of 189.35%. Another notable train, number 20632, also achieved high occupancy at 174.77% while traveling from Thiruvananthapuram Central to Mangaluru Central.

On the Delhi-Varanasi route, three pairs of Vande Bharat Chair Car services are currently running. Train number 22416, traveling from New Delhi to Varanasi, had an occupancy of 114.05%, while its return service, number 22415, recorded 117.26%. Similarly, train number 22435, from Varanasi to New Delhi, had an occupancy of 117.25%, with its return service, number 22436, achieving 115.19%.

The Railway Board data covers all Vande Bharat Express trains for FY 2025-26, with an overall occupancy rate of 99.10% for Vande Bharat Chair Car trains and 114.54% for the Vande Bharat Sleeper service.