Vande Bharat Trains Record High Occupancy in FY26; Thiruvananthapuram–Mangaluru Route Tops at 189.35%

# Vande Bharat Trains Record High Occupancy in FY26; Thiruvananthapuram–Mangaluru Route Tops at 189.35% **New Delhi, November 5, 2026:** India's Vande Bharat Express trains recorded strong passenger occupancy during the financial year 2025–26, reflecting growing demand for semi-high-speed rail services across the country. According to a report published by *The Indian Express* on November 5, the Thiruvananthapuram–Mangaluru Vande Bharat service recorded the highest occupancy, reaching 189.35%. The occupancy figure indicates that passenger demand on the route was significantly higher than its available seat capacity over the reporting period. It does not mean that every individual journey operated at 189% capacity. Vande Bharat trains were introduced to provide faster and more comfortable rail travel, with modern passenger facilities and improved connectivity between important cities. The latest occupancy figures highlight the popularity of these services and the growing demand for modern railway connections. The data also provides an opportunity for Indian Railways to assess passenger demand while planning future train services and capacity improvements. **Source:** The Indian Express, November 5, 2026.