THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The number of coaches in the Thiruvananthapuram-Kasargod (20634/20633) Vande Bharat (20634/20633) running via Kottayam was increased from 16 to 20 the other day. On the first day of service on January 11, the 20-coach Vande Bharat was a huge hit. It received 100 percent bookings. After this, the number of coaches is going to be increased in the Vande Bharat (20631-20632) running via Alappuzha.
Presently there are only eight coaches. These will be increased to 16. The number is going to be doubled in the Thiruvananthapuram-Mangalore-Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat. The number of coaches is being increased due to the huge popularity of Vande Bharat among passengers from Kerala. The exact date of the change has not been announced. The present 512 seats will be increased to 1024 seats.
38 Vande Bharats are operating with eight coaches. At least half of these seats are vacant. Alappuzha Vande Bharat is fully booked at that time. Prsently, all 17 Vande Bharats are running with full seats. These include the Thiruvananthapuram-Kasargod Vande Bharat and the Thiruvananthapuram-Mangalore-Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat. Vande Bharat, which departs from Mangaluru at 6.25 am, will reach Thiruvananthapuram via Alappuzha at 3.05 pm. It will return from Thiruvananthapuram at 4.05 pm and reach Mangaluru at 12.40 am.