Heading home for Onam? Bengaluru–Ernakulam Vande Bharat doubles seats to ease ticket rush

Thousands of people planning to travel from Bengaluru to Kerala for the Onam holidays may finally find it easier to secure a train ticket. In a major relief for festival travellers, the Railway Board has approved a 16-coach rake for the Bengaluru–Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express, increasing the train's seating capacity from about 530 to 1,128 passengers.

The expanded Vande Bharat service is expected to begin operating this week, with the revised coach configuration also being updated on railway booking platforms and mobile apps. The additional coaches are aimed at easing the annual festive rush, when professionals, students and families head home to Kerala from Bengaluru.

Demand for trains between Bengaluru and Kerala has already surged ahead of the festival. 

By doubling the number of coaches, Indian Railways is expected to improve ticket availability on one of the busiest inter-state routes during the festive season.

Nearly 600 extra seats on every trip

The existing eight-coach Vande Bharat accommodates around 530 passengers. With the introduction of the 16-coach rake, the train will offer approximately 1,128 seats—adding nearly 600 extra seats on every journey without changing the timetable.

Both AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car coaches will continue to be available.

Timings remain the same

The Bengaluru–Ernakulam Vande Bharat (Train No. 26651) departs Bengaluru at 5.10 am and reaches Ernakulam at 1.50 pm, operating every day except Wednesday.

The return service (Train No. 26652) leaves Ernakulam at 2.20 pm and arrives in Bengaluru at 11 pm.

Bengaluru–Ernakulam Vande Bharat fares

The coach expansion is expected to benefit thousands of passengers travelling home for Onam, improving the chances of getting confirmed tickets on one of the most sought-after premium train services connecting Bengaluru and Kerala.