Facing heavy demand from Kerala travellers and complaints that seats were skewed toward other boarding points, Indian Railways has moved to restructure ticket quotas on the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat. Officials say the revamp, aimed at improving access for passengers boarding in Ernakulam and other Kerala stations, will be implemented ahead of the January booking cycle and follows the train’s high occupancy since launch.
Railway sources and regional media report the change will increase the number of seats reserved under Kerala-origin quotas on the new Vande Bharat, so a greater share of berths/chairs will be allocated to passengers boarding at Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, and other stations in the State. The move responds to sustained demand: the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat has seen near-full bookings since it began regular runs in November, with waitlists appearing within days of ticket releases. Officials say the tweak is a short-term administrative reallocation of existing quota blocks rather than an immediate addition of new rakes.
Railway spokespersons have acknowledged passengers’ frustration after earlier special runs and temporary operations created confusion about long-term availability on the corridor. Last year, some special Vande Bharat services in the region were run from spare rakes and then not extended, which sparked local calls for clearer, permanent arrangements. The quota revamp is being pitched as a pragmatic fix while capacity and coach-length decisions (such as expanding to 16-coach sets) are studied.
The Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat was flagged off as a semi-high-speed connection in early November as part of a wider roll-out of Vande Bharat services linking Kerala with neighbouring states; demand spiked immediately, especially on weekend and return journeys. Railways’ press releases and division notices have pointed to strong patronage and have signalled both quota adjustments and possible coach length or frequency changes to manage the load.
Practical Advice: Check IRCTC and Southern Railway notices for the exact quota breakup and the date the new pattern comes into effect (Railways sources indicate changes will be reflected before the January booking window). If travel is urgent, consider booking from alternate nearby stations, opt for Tatkal where appropriate, or look for special trains that are typically run during festival peaks. Passengers with queries about refunds, change of boarding or coach composition should use official railway portals or the Southern Railway helpline to avoid misinformation circulating on social media.
1. Why is Indian Railways revising quotas on the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat?
Railways is adjusting quotas to increase the number of seats reserved for Kerala-origin passengers due to consistently high demand and fast-filling waitlists.
2. When will the new Vande Bharat quota system come into effect?
The revised quota pattern is expected to be implemented before the January booking cycle. Passengers should check IRCTC and Southern Railway notices for exact dates.
3. Will more coaches be added to the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat?
Railways has indicated that coach expansion, including moving to 16-coach sets, is under consideration, but no official rollout date has been announced yet.
4. How can passengers improve their chances of getting a confirmed ticket?
Travellers can try booking from nearby alternate boarding stations, use Tatkal, or look for festival-season special trains announced by Southern Railway.
5. Where can passengers check official updates about quotas and coach changes?
Updates are regularly issued through IRCTC, Southern Railway press releases, divisional notices, and the official railway helpline. Passengers are advised to avoid unofficial social-media sources.