Western Railway has brought good news for passengers traveling between Mumbai and Ahmedabad during the busy month of March. To handle the extra rush of passengers, especially with the upcoming Holi festival season, the railway administration has decided to increase the capacity of the Vande Bharat Express on this route. This temporary addition aims to provide more confirmed seats to daily commuters and holiday travelers who face long waiting lists.
Which trains are getting extra coaches?
According to the latest update from Western Railway, the augmentation applies to the Mumbai Central – Ahmedabad Vande Bharat Express. Specifically, Train No. 22961 (Mumbai Central to Ahmedabad) and Train No. 22962 (Ahmedabad to Mumbai Central) will now operate with a longer rake. The train, which usually runs with 16 coaches, will now run with 20 coaches.
This change is effective for journeys starting from March 9, 2026, to March 31, 2026. The railway has added four additional AC Chair Car coaches to the existing composition. This move adds approximately 278 extra seats per trip, making it easier for people to plan their travel without worrying about ticket unavailability.
Booking rules and route details
Passengers should note that the train schedule and halts remain the same. The Vande Bharat Express will continue to stop at its regular stations including Borivali, Vapi, Surat, and Vadodara. The train runs on all days except Sundays. The platforms at these stations, including smaller ones like Vapi, are ready to accommodate the longer 20-coach train.
- Train No: 22961/22962
- Route: Mumbai Central – Ahmedabad
- Period: March 9 to March 31, 2026
- Total Coaches: 20 (4 extra added)
- Booking: Open on IRCTC website and counters
Travelers can book these newly added seats through the IRCTC website, mobile app, or at station counters. Standard Vande Bharat fares apply for these seats, and no extra surcharge has been announced solely for the new coaches.