The diamond and textile city of Surat will soon have its inaugural Vande Bharat Express service to Udaipur, enhancing connectivity between Gujarat and Rajasthan. The Ministry of Railways has officially approved this new route, aimed at providing a quicker travel option for individuals from central and southern Gujarat heading to the popular tourist destination in Rajasthan. The train service is anticipated to commence shortly before the Navratri festival, fostering a boost in tourism and trade.

Train Schedule and Features

The Surat-Udaipur Vande Bharat Express will operate six days a week, with a designated day off on Tuesdays. According to the Railway Board, the train will leave Surat at 6:10 am, arriving in Udaipur at 1:40 pm. In addition, the return journey will depart Udaipur at 3:35 pm, reaching Surat at 11:00 pm. This schedule allows passengers to complete the journey in approximately seven and a half hours.

The service is expected to significantly benefit tourists, traders, and families travelling from Surat and nearby areas. As the first premium train of its kind for this route, it aims to provide a more efficient and comfortable travel experience compared to existing options.

Moreover, the train will consist of eight coaches, designed to accommodate the needs of passengers and to enhance the overall travel experience. With the addition of this service, the total number of Vande Bharat trains in Gujarat rises to six, showcasing the state’s growing railway infrastructure.

Maintenance Arrangements and Support Facilities

The primary maintenance facility for the new service will be situated in Surat, ensuring that the train is well-maintained and operational. In addition to this, water refilling facilities will be available at both Vadodara and Asarwa stations in Ahmedabad, further supporting the logistics of the train’s operation.

This revamped service not only focuses on comfort but also aims to facilitate increased movement for both tourism and business between Gujarat and Rajasthan. The efficient maintenance and support arrangements are expected to contribute positively to the overall passenger experience, fostering greater connectivity between these two states.

Existing Udaipur-Asarwa Train to be Replaced

In a related development, the Railway Ministry has decided to discontinue the current Vande Bharat service between Udaipur and Asarwa (Ahmedabad). Originally launched in February 2026, this service will now be permanently replaced with the new Surat-Udaipur route, which has been extended and upgraded. Thus, the Asarwa-Udaipur train will effectively function as part of the new, more efficient Surat service.

This change is part of a broader effort to enhance railway services in the region and streamline operations. The transition is anticipated to ease passenger travel while optimising existing routes and resources in accordance with rising demand.

Government Officials Acknowledge New Service

Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil made a public announcement regarding the approval of the new Vande Bharat service through a social media post. He highlighted that the six-day-a-week service will significantly improve travel times between Gujarat and Rajasthan. Furthermore, he expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for facilitating this service, which he noted would also enhance tourism and trade between the two states.

Overall, the introduction of this new Vande Bharat Express is viewed as a welcome development for residents of Surat and the surrounding regions, providing improved access to a prominent tourist destination while fostering economic growth.

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