Ahmedabad: Gujarat’s semi-high-speed rail network is set to expand further from February 16 with the launch of the Asarva–Udaipur Vande Bharat Express, connecting another city in the state to the country’s fastest operational train. With Himmatnagar now receiving Vande Bharat connectivity, the total number of Gujarat cities and towns linked by the service will rise to 21.

The newly introduced train will operate between Udaipur City in Rajasthan and Asarva in Ahmedabad, with a key halt at Himmatnagar in North Gujarat. The inaugural one-way special service from Udaipur to Asarva is scheduled for February 16, while regular six-day-a-week operations will begin on February 18, remaining cancelled on Tuesdays.

With Himmatnagar joining the network, the Gujarat locations connected by Vande Bharat Express services now include Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Surat, Valsad, Vapi, Palanpur, Mehsana, Sanand, Viramgam, Surendranagar, Wankaner, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Dwarka, Okha, Junagadh, Veraval, Navsari, and Himmatnagar.

Among all cities, the state’s largest city, Ahmedabad, continues to serve as Gujarat’s primary Vande Bharat hub, being served by all six Vande Bharat Express trains. Cities such as Vadodara, Surat, Vapi, Rajkot, Viramgam, Surendranagar, and Wankaner each receive two Vande Bharat services.

Other towns, including Palanpur, Mehsana, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Veraval, Somnath, Dwarka, Anand, Valsad, Navsari, and now Himmatnagar, are served by one train each.

Overview of key Vande Bharat trains operating in Gujarat

1. Mumbai Central – Gandhinagar Capital Vande Bharat Express (20901/20902)

One of the earliest semi-high-speed services in western India, this train connects Mumbai with Gandhinagar Capital via major Gujarat commercial centres, including Vapi, Valsad, Surat, Vadodara, Anand, and Ahmedabad.
Operating six days a week, it plays a major role in business and passenger movement between Gujarat and Maharashtra.

2. Jodhpur – Sabarmati Vande Bharat Express (12461/12462)

This interstate service links Jodhpur in Rajasthan with Sabarmati (Ahmedabad).
Within Gujarat, it halts at Palanpur and Mehsana, providing fast rail access to the state’s northern districts and strengthening Rajasthan–Gujarat connectivity.

3. Ahmedabad – Okha Vande Bharat Express (22925/22926)

Connecting Ahmedabad to the coastal town of Okha, this train significantly benefits tourists and pilgrims travelling to Dwarka.
Key stops include Sabarmati, Sanand, Viramgam, Surendranagar, Wankaner, Rajkot, Jamnagar, and Dwarka, strengthening access to the Saurashtra region.

4. Ahmedabad – Mumbai Central Vande Bharat Express (22961/22962)

Introduced to meet rising demand on the busy Ahmedabad–Mumbai corridor, this faster service operates with limited halts at Vadodara, Surat, Vapi, and Borivali. It reduces travel time between the two major economic hubs and eases passenger load on earlier services.

5. Sabarmati – Veraval Vande Bharat Express (26901/26902)

Launched to boost religious tourism to Somnath, this train connects Sabarmati (Ahmedabad) with Veraval.
Stops include Viramgam, Surendranagar, Wankaner, Rajkot, Junagadh, and Veraval, improving connectivity across western Gujarat.

6. Asarva (Ahmedabad) – Udaipur City Vande Bharat Express (26963/26964) — New from February 2026

This newly introduced semi-high-speed train links Udaipur City (Rajasthan) with Asarva in Ahmedabad. Commercial halts are provided at Zawar, Dungarpur, and Himmatnagar, making Himmatnagar the latest city to join the Vande Bharat network.

• Inaugural special run: February 16, 2026 (Udaipur → Asarva)

• Regular service: From February 18, 2026

• Frequency: Six days a week (cancelled Tuesdays)

• Rake: 8-coach modern Vande Bharat set with Executive Chair Car and Chair Car seating

Overall impact

With six Vande Bharat services now touching the state, 21 cities and towns in Gujarat are connected to India’s fastest operational train system, strengthening tourism, trade, pilgrimage travel, and regional mobility across western India. DeshGujarat