The Indian Railways has decided to continue large-scale production of Vande Bharat chair car coaches, reversing its earlier plan to cap manufacturing at 120 train sets. The move is expected to directly benefit states like Odisha, where six Vande Bharat Express trains are already operating.
According to a new Railway Board order, 1,500 Vande Bharat chair car coaches—equivalent to 88 rakes—will be produced over four years, from 2026–27 to 2029–30. Of these, 720 coaches will be manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, while the remaining units will be built at Kapurthala and Raebareli.
Railway officials noted that the expanded production will help phase out ageing Shatabdi Express trains on intercity routes, many of which serve eastern states, including Odisha. With the state emerging as a key hub for Vande Bharat operations, the move is expected to strengthen high-speed daytime connectivity both within Odisha and to neighbouring regions.
Of the planned rakes, 68 will be 16-car formations, and 20 will be 20-car sets, designed for a maximum speed of 160 kmph and optimised for short- to medium-distance intercity travel, where Odisha has seen rising passenger demand.
As of December 2025, around 96 Vande Bharat chair car rakes had been manufactured, with 82 currently in service across various railway zones, including those operating through Odisha. Several additional rakes have already been allocated to different zones and are awaiting commissioning.
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