Mumbai-Goa Vande Bharat: Passengers demand 20-coach upgrade

• Passengers are demanding the Mumbai-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express be expanded from 8 to 16 or 20 coaches.
• The train is highly popular for travel to Konkan and Goa, leading to overcrowding and long waiting lists, especially during holidays.
• Expansion is technically feasible, with maintenance slots freed up from other Vande Bharat services.
• Increased coaches would boost capacity, reduce waiting times, and improve passenger comfort, particularly during festivals.
• A current hurdle is the lack of maintenance facilities for 20-coach trains at Madgaon, pending completion of Wadi Bunder work.

Why It Matters: Expanding Vande Bharat coaches could ease travel and reduce waitlists on the Mumbai-Goa route.