Ratnagiri : In a major relief for passengers on the Konkan Railway route, the Mumbai-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 22229/22230), which has been running with only 8 coaches since its launch, will now run with 16 coaches.
The new 16-coach rake with the latest saffron-orange livery departed from Mumbai and arrived at Chiplun Railway Station on Tuesday at around 5:00 PM. It left for Madgaon at 5:05 PM, clearing the way for a full 16-coach operation on the route.
Since its inception, the 8-coach Vande Bharat on the Konkan route has been running at full occupancy, making it difficult for passengers to get confirmed tickets. Various passenger associations had been consistently demanding to increase the train to 16 or 20 coaches.
The Railway Department has not yet clarified whether the 16-coach service will be permanent or temporary. However, the arrival of the 16-coach rake has brought immediate relief and joy to regular commuters and tourists travelling to Konkan and Goa.