Thiruvananthapuram | The Centre has decided to increase the number of coaches in the Bengaluru-Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express from eight to 16 to facilitate Keralites working in other states to travel for Onam, the BJP state unit said on Saturday.

It described the decision as an Onam gift from the Centre to the people of Kerala.

In a statement, BJP national executive member P K Krishnadas said the Railway Ministry has issued an order to increase the number of coaches in the Bengaluru-Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express (26651/52) from eight to 16 with effect from August 17.

He said the decision followed discussions held by BJP State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar, State General Secretary Anoop Antony and he himself with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently.

Krishnadas said the Railway Ministry would soon consider increasing the number of coaches in trains to Kerala from Mumbai and Chennai as well.

He said further discussions would be held with the Railway Ministry to provide additional coaches for other trains and make special arrangements for Keralites travelling to Kerala from other states for the Onam celebrations.