Kannur: Kerala’s second Vande Bharat Express, operating between Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru, is set to undergo a major upgrade, increasing its number of coaches from 8 to 20. The train (20631/20632), which currently follows the Alappuzha route, will see its seating capacity rise significantly from 512 to 1,336 seats, ensuring better accommodation for passengers.
The newly manufactured 20-coach Vande Bharat train has already been rolled out from the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai and has been allocated to Southern Railway. The updated service will depart from Mangaluru at 6:25 AM, reach Thiruvananthapuram at 3:05 PM, and return from Thiruvananthapuram at 4:05 PM, arriving back in Mangaluru at 12:40 AM.
This is the second such upgrade in Kerala, as the Thiruvananthapuram-Kasaragod Vande Bharat Express (20634/20633) was expanded from 16 to 20 coaches on January 10. These enhancements are expected to improve passenger comfort and reduce ticket shortages for one of Kerala’s most in-demand train routes.
New Pit Line Under Construction in Mangaluru
To support the upgraded 20-coach trains, a new pit line is being developed in Mangaluru. A pit line is a facility used for cleaning and repairing trains at railway stations, ensuring smooth operation and maintenance. The new pit line will also feature an overhead electric line to accommodate Vande Bharat’s modern requirements. The construction is expected to be completed within the next 10 days, allowing seamless servicing of the upgraded trains.
With these developments, Kerala’s railway network is set for a significant boost in capacity and efficiency, benefiting daily commuters and long-distance travelers alike.
