The Indian Railway Board has officially approved a major capacity upgrade for the Gorakhpur-Prayagraj Vande Bharat Express. To accommodate the rising number of passengers and address long waiting lists, the train will transition from its current 16-coach configuration to a 22-coach rake. This expansion is set to provide approximately 400 additional seats per journey, significantly improving travel accessibility on this high-demand route.
- Capacity Increase: The train will grow from 16 to 22 coaches, adding around 400 seats.
- New Configuration: The upgraded rake will feature 4 Executive Chair Cars and 18 AC Chair Cars.
- Expected Timeline: The new 22-coach train set is scheduled to arrive in Gorakhpur by the end of July 2026.
- Policy Update: The Railway Board has also introduced an emergency quota system for Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat Sleeper trains.
A Strategic Upgrade for Passenger Comfort
Since the extension of the service from Lucknow to Prayagraj in March 2024, the demand for this Vande Bharat route has surged significantly. The train, which was originally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 7, 2023, started its journey as an 8-coach service. Following a successful increase to 16 coaches in 2025, this latest upgrade to 22 coaches marks a major milestone in the train’s operational history.
By increasing the number of Executive Chair Car coaches from 2 to 4 and AC Chair Car coaches from 12 to 18, the Indian Railways is ensuring that both premium and standard travelers benefit from the increased frequency and space. This move is expected to streamline travel between the two major cities and offer a more comfortable experience for daily commuters and long-distance travelers alike.
New Emergency Quota Provisions
In addition to the capacity expansion, the Railway Board has announced a policy change aimed at addressing last-minute travel emergencies. A new emergency quota system will be implemented across the Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat Sleeper fleets. This initiative is designed to provide much-needed relief to passengers who have urgent travel requirements, ensuring that the modern Vande Bharat network remains both efficient and accessible to those in need of immediate bookings.