Responding to consistently high passenger demand, Central Railway has announced the augmentation of the Solapur–CSMT Mumbai Vande Bharat Express to a 20-coach configuration. The expanded rake will come into effect from August 28, 2025, for Train No. 22225 (CSMT–Solapur) and from August 29, 2025, for Train No. 22226 (Solapur–CSMT), offering enhanced seating capacity and improved travel convenience on the premium route.
The move comes in the wake of exceptional occupancy levels on the route, with the Solapur–CSMT service recording an average occupancy of 128%, while the CSMT–Solapur service is operating at 115% occupancy—well above full capacity.
The Vande Bharat Express has steadily gained traction for its speed, safety, and onboard amenities. With the upgraded 20-coach configuration, Central Railway hopes to further ease the strain on demand and offer greater accessibility to travelers commuting between Mumbai and Solapur.
"To address the growing demand, four additional Chair Car (CC) coaches will be added to the existing rake" said an official.
"With this enhancement, the revised coach composition will include two Executive Chair Cars (EC), each offering 52 seats, along with sixteen standard Chair Cars that provide 78 seats each. Additionally, two end-coaches located adjacent to the loco pilot and guard cabins will accommodate 44 passengers each. In total, the expanded rake will offer a seating capacity of 1,440, marking an increase of 312 seats from the earlier configuration" he said.
“This augmentation aims to ensure a more comfortable and seamless travel experience for our valued passengers. The Vande Bharat Express has become a symbol of premium rail travel, and the overwhelming response on the Solapur–Mumbai route reflects its growing popularity,” said a senior official.
Yogesh Patil, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Solapur, urged passengers to take advantage of the upgraded facility and continue supporting the flagship service.
