The Secunderabad-Tirupati Vande Bharat train will now have 16 coaches and will carry approximately 1,128 passengers from May 17.
The train’s travel time will also be reduced by 15 minutes while arriving at both the stations. Hence it will complete the journey in eight hours and 15 minutes as opposed to eight hours 30 minutes previously. Train number 20701 or 20702 previously comprised eight coaches including one Executive Coach and seven Chair Cars. Since the introduction of the regular services, the train has been operating with more than 100% patronage consistently.
While, the Train No. 20701 Secunderabad – Tirupati Vande Bharat Express recorded a patronage of 131% in April and 135% in May 2023, the Train No. 20702 Tirupati – Secunderabad Vande Bharat Express recorded a patronage of 136% in April and 138% in May 2023.
As on May 15, the train has catered to a total of 44,992 passengers. While 21,798 passengers have travelled by Vande Bharat Express from Secunderabad to Tirupati, another 23,194 passengers have travelled from Tirupati to Secunderabad. Importantly, both the categories of coaches – Executive as well as Chair Car have witnessed 100% patronage in both directions.
The new composition will have 14 Chair Cars with a passenger capacity of 1,024. Previously, the train had six Chair Cars with a capacity of 478 and two Executive Class with a passenger capacity of 104.
Speaking of increased number of coaches, South Central Railway General Manager Arun Kumar Jain said, “With the doubling of coaches, more rail passengers will now be able to avail Vande Bharat train services. The doubling of the coaches is also a timely addition, as during the summer holiday season more passengers will be able to visit Tirupati. Further, reduction in travel time will assist the rail passengers in completing their journey faster and in a more comfortable manner.”
