Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to enhance passenger convenience and meet the growing demand, Indian Railways has announced the augmentation of the number of coaches by 50 per cent in the 20836/20835 Puri–Rourkela–Puri Vande Bharat Express, an official said Wednesday.
“The train will operate with 16 coaches instead of eight from August 7, 2025,” the official added.
This augmentation includes the addition of eight AC Chair Car coaches, with an aim to reduce passenger waitlist, accommodate higher footfall, and further promote the prestigious semi-high-speed train service across the state.
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The upgraded rake composition will now consist of 12 AC Chair Car, two Executive Chair Car and two Crew Chair Car coaches. Since its introduction, the Puri–Rourkela Vande Bharat Express has witnessed tremendous response from passengers.
The train now operates at over 110 per cent capacity, showing its rising popularity. “Train No. 20836 (Puri–Rourkela) records 112.76 per cent occupancy, while Train No. 20835 (Rourkela–Puri) records 127.64 per cent.
This high patronage reflects strong demand among daily commuters, business travellers and tourists alike,” an official said.
The enhanced capacity will allow more passengers to avail the benefits of a faster, more comfortable, and technologically-advanced mode of transport.
The initiative is also expected to boost regional connectivity, tourism and economic growth in the state. The train, which operates six days a week, except Tuesdays, covers a distance of 505km in approximately 7.5 hours, it was learnt.
PNN
