Thane MP Naresh Mhaske Demands Additional Rake for Mumbai Madgaon Vande Bharat Express
- Madgaon Vande Bharat Express Facing Severe Ticket Crisis
THANE: The highly popular 22229/22230 Mumbai-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express is currently witnessing an unprecedented rush, leaving thousands of Konkan-bound passengers stranded with massive waiting lists. Highlighting the heavy waitlist crisis during the ongoing monsoon season, newly elected Thane Lok Sabha MP Naresh Mhaske has officially written to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, demanding an additional rake for the premium train service.
Key Demands & Issues Highlighted by MP Naresh Mhaske:
- Severe Seat Crunch: Despite running at more than 100% booking capacity throughout the year, the premium train currently operates with a restricted composition of only 8 coaches.
- Monsoon Timetable Impact: Due to the implementation of the monsoon timetable, the weekly frequency of the train has been reduced, compounding the travel distress for tourists, regular commuters, and students.
- Saturated Route Capacity: The Roha-Madgaon section of the Konkan Railway is already operating at an overwhelming 168% capacity utilization. The reduction in Vande Bharat trips has triggered an acute shortage of seats.
- Uninterrupted 6-Day Service: MP Mhaske has urged the Ministry of Railways to ensure uninterrupted service of the train 6 days a week throughout the monsoon period by temporarily deploying an Additional Rake.