Secunderabad/Visakhapatnam : Facing rising passenger demand beyond the festive season, South Central Railway (SCR) has permanently augmented the Secunderabad–Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express with four additional coaches, increasing the total rake to 20 coaches, effective from Saturday, July 5, 2025 . The train now operates with 18 AC Chair Cars and 2 Executive Class coaches, boosting its seating capacity from 1,128 to 1,440 passengers. SCR officials confirmed that the change—originally trialed during the Sankranti season—has been made permanent due to sustained high occupancy rates, which regularly exceeded 130%. This move aims to improve travel comfort, reduce reservation waitlists, and enhance connectivity between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh year‑round.

Permanent Coach Augmentation
What initially began as a festive-season pilot during Sankranti has now become a permanent fixture—SCR confirms that the 4‑coach augmentation isn’t temporary but a lasting solution to passenger surges.

New Coach Composition

18 AC Chair Cars (seating capacity: 1,336)

2 Executive Class Coaches (seating capacity: 104)

Total Capacity: 1,440 passengers, up from the original 16‑coach setup’s 1,128 seats

Capacity Surge to Meet Demand
The train has consistently recorded occupancy rates above 130%, prompting SCR to expand capacity to better manage everyday travel pressures.

Operational Continuity
There’s no change to the train’s schedule or frequency—it continues to run six days a week, maintaining its role as a fast, reliable daily connection between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana