Mumbai–Goa Vande Bharat Express To Be Expanded From 8 To 16 Coaches Amid 105% Passenger Occupancy Demand

In view of the increasing passenger demand, the number of coaches in the Mumbai-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express will be increased from eight to 16.

The railway administration has taken this important decision as the average passenger occupancy of this train has been recorded at more than 105 percent in the last few months.

Preparations for 16-coach rake in final stage

According to Konkan Railway officials, the planning to start a new rake of 16 coaches is in the final stage and it will be put into service soon. As one of the most popular and fastest train services on the Mumbai-Goa route, Vande Bharat Express has gained the preference of passengers in a short time.

A total of 58,394 passengers travelled in trains numbered 22229 and 22230 in April and May. While the available seating capacity was 55,120. Therefore, the average passenger occupancy in 2025 was 105 percent, which has reached almost 106 percent in 2026.

Notably, the highest passenger occupancy rate of 109.33 percent was recorded in the Madgaon-Mumbai service in May. The number of passengers on this route increased significantly due to the summer holidays and tourist season.

Konkan Railway's double track project accelerated

With this decision, the much-awaited track doubling (double track) project of Konkan Railway has also been accelerated. This project of about 263 kilometers will include three new stations, additional loop lines, modern signal systems and improved facilities for passenger and freight transport.

Currently, due to the single track, trains have to wait for crossings, which affects the schedule. After the completion of the double track, the ability of trains to run on time will increase and the traffic capacity on the route will also increase significantly.

Possibility of more Vande Bharat trains in the future

Considering the increasing demand of passengers, the railway administration is also considering starting additional Vande Bharat services on the Mumbai-Goa route in the future or running more capacity trains.

Railway officials believe that the 16-coach Vande Bharat Express and improvements in infrastructure on the Konkan Railway will make the Mumbai-Goa journey faster, more comfortable and convenient.