The Railway Board has approved the introduction of a new Vande Bharat Express connecting Surat with Udaipur via Ahmedabad, providing a direct premium rail link between South Gujarat and southern Rajasthan.The proposed service will connect major cities and towns including Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad, Himmatnagar and Dungarpur before reaching Udaipur. The train will also operate via Asarva station before heading north towards Himmatnagar and Rajasthan.
Direct Vande Bharat link to Udaipur
The new service will offer passengers from South Gujarat a faster travel option to northern Gujarat and Rajasthan. It is expected to be particularly useful for tourists travelling to Udaipur, one of Rajasthan’s most popular destinations.The direct connection will also strengthen rail links between Udaipur and key Gujarat cities such as Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand and Ahmedabad.
Existing Udaipur-Asarva service to be discontinued
As part of the new arrangement, the Railway Board has approved the discontinuation of Train Nos. 26963/26964 Udaipur City-Asarva Vande Bharat Express.The decision suggests that the existing Udaipur-Asarva service will be replaced or restructured as part of the new Surat-Udaipur Vande Bharat operation.However, the Railway Board communication does not mention a final date for the inauguration of the new service.
Inaugural run may operate as special service
The Railway Board has directed railway authorities to implement the service from the applicable advance reservation period or no-booking date, whichever comes earlier.If required, the inaugural journey may be operated as a special service before the train is incorporated into its regular timetable. Railway authorities have also been instructed to publicise the new service and follow the approved operational arrangements.
Surat to be maintenance base
Under the approved operating plan, Surat will serve as the primary maintenance base for the new Vande Bharat rake. Vadodara and Asarva will function as watering stations.The train will comprise an eight-car Vande Bharat rake.
The proposed service is expected to significantly improve Vande Bharat connectivity between Gujarat and Rajasthan and will give Surat a direct Vande Bharat connection to Udaipur under the new arrangement. Its proposed timings are also expected to make the service convenient for tourists and other travellers.