Vande Bharat Express Update: Book Tickets Just 15 Minutes Before Departure on These Routes
The Indian Railway has introduced a new feature allowing last-minute bookings on select Vande Bharat Express trains. Passengers can now book tickets up to 15 minutes before the train departs from their boarding station. This feature is currently available on eight Vande Bharat trains operating under the Southern Railway zone, covering key routes in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
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Previously, once a Vande Bharat train departed from its initial station, booking seats along the route was impossible. Even if seats were vacant, passengers from smaller towns or intermediate stations had no way to board. The new system addresses this issue by enabling real-time seat availability through an upgraded Passenger Reservation System (PRS).
Last-Minute Booking Feature
This technological upgrade allows passengers to see available seats in real-time and reserve them up to 15 minutes before departure from their specific boarding station. This change is particularly beneficial for those making unplanned trips due to work, emergencies, or short-notice plans.
Before this update, ticket bookings were locked after the train began its journey. The new feature provides flexibility and convenience for travellers who need to make last-minute arrangements.
Trains Offering Last-Minute Booking
The list of Vande Bharat Express trains where you can book tickets 15 minutes before departure includes:
| Train Number | Route |
|---|---|
| 20631 | Mangaluru Central – Thiruvananthapuram Central |
| 20632 | Thiruvananthapuram Central – Mangaluru Central |
| 20627 | Chennai Egmore – Nagercoil |
| 20628 | Nagercoil – Chennai Egmore |
| 20642 | Coimbatore – Bengaluru Cantt |
| 20646 | Mangaluru Central – Madgaon |
| 20671 | Madurai – Bengaluru Cantt |
| 20677 | Dr MGR Chennai Central – Vijayawada |
Occupancy Rates and Future Plans
The Vande Bharat trains are already operating with over 100% occupancy, indicating more passengers than available seats on average. "In the financial years of 2024-25 and 2025-26 (up to June, 2025), the overall occupancy of Vande Bharat Express trains is projected at approximately 102.01% and 105.03%, respectively," stated Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in Lok Sabha on July 30.
This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing passenger convenience and flexibility in travel planning across major routes in Southern India.
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