This Kerala Vande Bharat is earning more than every other Southern Railway service

Thiruvananthapuram: The Thiruvananthapuram-Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express has emerged as the highest revenue-generating Vande Bharat service in Southern Railway, underlining the growing popularity of premium rail travel across Kerala and Karnataka.

The train's strong performance highlights how passengers are increasingly opting for faster, modern and more comfortable railway services despite the availability of conventional train options on the same corridor.

Thiruvananthapuram-Mangaluru route leads revenue rankings

According to data released by Southern Railway, the 20632 Thiruvananthapuram-Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express generated revenue of ₹73.35 lakh during the reported period between August and October 2025. The earnings placed it at the top among all Vande Bharat services operated by Southern Railway across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

The route connects several important commercial, educational and tourism centres along India's southwest coast, making it one of the most heavily travelled railway corridors in the region. The service has become particularly popular among business travellers, professionals, students and tourists looking for quicker travel times and enhanced onboard facilities.

Highest passenger bookings among Vande Bharat trains

The train also recorded the highest booking numbers among Southern Railway's Vande Bharat fleet. During the reporting period, it registered 11,896 bookings, significantly outperforming other routes.

In comparison, the Chennai Egmore-Nagercoil Vande Bharat Express recorded 2,832 bookings, while the Coimbatore Junction-Bengaluru Cantonment Vande Bharat Express registered 835 bookings. The figures indicate the exceptionally strong demand for the Thiruvananthapuram-Mangaluru service compared with other premium routes in the region.

Railway officials believe the route's success stems from its ability to connect major urban centres while reducing travel time and offering passengers a more comfortable travel experience.

Occupancy levels cross 100 per cent

Several Vande Bharat services under Southern Railway, including the Mangaluru-Thiruvananthapuram route, have consistently reported occupancy levels exceeding 100 per cent. Such figures are possible due to dynamic seat allocation systems and passenger turnover at intermediate stations.

The high occupancy rates demonstrate the growing acceptance of Vande Bharat trains among travellers. Since their introduction, the trains have steadily gained popularity due to features such as improved seating, enhanced safety systems, onboard catering options, automatic doors and reduced journey times.

Southern Railway's Vande Bharat network witnesses rapid growth

The success of the Thiruvananthapuram-Mangaluru service comes amid broader growth across Southern Railway's Vande Bharat network.

During the 2025-26 financial year, Southern Railway's Vande Bharat services carried 77.38 lakh passengers and generated revenue of ₹803.86 crore. The figures represent a significant jump from the previous financial year, when the services carried 54.12 lakh passengers and generated revenue of ₹540.65 crore.

The increase reflects growing passenger confidence in semi-high-speed rail services and the expanding role of Vande Bharat trains in India's transportation network.

Strong start to FY27

The momentum has continued into the current financial year. During April and May 2026 alone, Southern Railway's Vande Bharat services carried 15.21 lakh passengers and earned ₹162.96 crore in revenue.

Officials say passenger demand remains strong across multiple routes, with many services recording high seat occupancy rates and robust advance bookings. The consistent growth suggests that Vande Bharat trains are becoming a preferred mode of travel for medium-distance journeys across southern India.

New booking system improves seat utilisation

To maximise capacity and improve passenger convenience, Southern Railway introduced a system that allows travellers to book vacant seats at originating and intermediate stations up to 15 minutes before a train's departure.

The initiative was initially introduced on a pilot basis and has since contributed to improved seat utilisation, higher passenger numbers and increased revenue generation. Railway authorities say the system has helped ensure that available seats are filled more effectively, particularly on high-demand routes.

A key revenue driver for Indian Railways

The performance of the Thiruvananthapuram-Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express highlights the growing commercial success of India's flagship semi-high-speed train programme. As passenger demand continues to rise, Vande Bharat services are becoming an increasingly important source of revenue for Indian Railways while helping modernise rail travel across the country.

With ridership and earnings continuing to grow year after year, railway officials expect Vande Bharat trains to play an even larger role in India's transportation network, particularly on busy intercity routes where speed, comfort and reliability are major factors influencing passenger choice.