The Bengaluru –Ernakulam –Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express has been permanently augmented from 8 coaches to 16 coaches, significantly enhancing seating capacity, beneficial for passengers during the festive season, said a statement issued by the Southern Railway here on Saturday.

The augmented 16-coach (14 AC Chair Car Coaches and 2 Executive Chair Car Coaches) will come into effect from August 17, 2026, with Train No. 26651 Bengaluru – Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express departing KSR Bengaluru at 5.10 a.m. on Monday and Train No. 26652 Ernakulam – Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express departing Ernakulam Junction at 2.20 p.m. from Monday.