Vande Bharat Now Offers Ticket Booking Until 15 Minutes Before Departure

Quick Summary

• The Southern Railway has introduced a current ticket booking system for Vande Bharat Express trains at en route stations across the State.
• Passengers can now book tickets up to 15 minutes before the train departs from an en route station.
• This system was implemented in the passenger reservation system starting July 17, 2025.
• It is applicable to eight Vande Bharat trains under the Southern Railway division.
• Specific trains include:

– Mangaluru Central-Thiruvananthapuram Central Vande Bharat Express (20631).
– Thiruvananthapuram Central-mangaluru Central Vande Bharat Express (20632).

• This facility resolves limitations that previously prevented bookings at stops beyond the source station and aims to enhance train occupancy.

Indian opinion Analysis

The introduction of an on-the-go booking system for Vande Bharat Express by Southern Railway addresses two key concerns: convenience for passengers and improved occupancy rates for premium services like semi-high-speed trains. By allowing bookings just 15 minutes prior to departure at en route stations, this innovation removes restrictions tied exclusively to source-to-destination reservations, making rail travel more dynamic and accessible.

For passengers, it adds flexibility-notably helpful for those planning journeys at short notice or arriving late at transit stations. Operationally, this is likely beneficial in optimizing vacant seats during journeys, ensuring financial efficiency without altering schedules or service standards.

As India’s demand for modern transportation solutions grows alongside its infrastructure expansion plans, this initiative represents a step forward in aligning rail systems with contemporary needs while maximizing resource use.

Published: July 18, 2025

—

Read more here