Bhubaneswar, July 30: The Indian Railways has announced the augmentation of number of coaches by 50% in the 20836/20835 Puri–Rourkela–Puri Vande Bharat Express. The train will now operate with a total of 16 coaches instead of the existing eight coaches from August 7.
This augmentation includes the addition of eight AC Chair Car Coaches.
“It aims to reduce passenger waitlists, accommodate higher footfall, and further promote the prestigious semi-high-speed train service across Odisha. The upgraded rake composition will now consist of 12 AC Chair Car, 2 Executive Chair Car and 2 Crew Chair Car Coaches,” said an East Coast Railway (ECoR) communiqué.
Since its introduction, the Puri–Rourkela Vande Bharat Express has witnessed tremendous response from passengers. The train now operates at over 110% capacity, showing its rising popularity.
The Train No. 20836 (Puri–Rourkela) records 112.76% occupancy, while Train No. 20835 (Rourkela–Puri) records 127.64%. This high patronage reflects strong demand among daily commuters, business travelers, and tourists alike.
The enhanced capacity will allow more passengers to avail the benefits of a faster, more comfortable, and technologically advanced mode of transport. The initiative is also expected to boost regional connectivity, tourism, and economic growth in the state.
The Puri-Rourkela Vande Bharat Express is a semi-high-speed train that connects Puri to Rourkela in Odisha, covering a distance of 505 km in approximately 7.5 hours. The train operates six days a week, except Tuesdays, with departures from Puri at 5 Am and from Rourkela at 2.10 PM providing stoppages at nine stations – Khurda Road Junction, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Talcher Road, Angul, Rairakhol, Sambalpur city and Jharsuguda Junction.
