Ahmedabad: The newly launched Udaipur–Ahmedabad Vande Bharat Express had been a subject of debate among travelers over its schedule. Railway authorities have now revealed that the train’s timings have been deliberately structured to promote tourism across Ahmedabad and nearby areas from Udaipur and to strengthen regional connectivity.

During the inaugural run of the train on February 16 from Udaipur, Divisional Railway Manager of the Ahmedabad Division, Western Railway, Ved Prakash, explained that the early morning departure from Udaipur, with arrival in Ahmedabad around 10 a.m., allows passengers to access key services, including healthcare, as many people travel from southern Rajasthan to Gujarat for treatment. He noted that the schedule also enables tourists to explore Ahmedabad and nearby heritage destinations within a short window and return the same day or after an overnight stay, depending on their plans.

According to the DRM, the timing supports the development of a broader tourism circuit that was previously limited. Historically, many domestic and foreign tourists treated Udaipur as an isolated destination, typically covering Chittorgarh and returning via Jaipur. With the Vande Bharat connection, travellers can now extend their itinerary to Ahmedabad and surrounding attractions such as the Modhera Sun Temple, Nal Sarovar, Vadnagar, and Dholavira, creating what he described as a “larger integrated tourism circuit” that could significantly enhance the visitor experience.

This clarification by the DRM also indicates that the schedule has been aligned with practical travel needs, including medical travel and short-duration tourism. Passengers arriving in the morning can complete work, sightseeing, or consultations and still have the option of returning by evening, making the service particularly convenient for Udaipur-based travellers.

The Vande Bharat Express, inaugurated on February 16 with regular services beginning February 18, departs Asarwa in Ahmedabad in the evening and reaches Udaipur late at night, while the return journey operates early morning from Udaipur. While critics argue that this arrangement poses challenges for Ahmedabad-origin tourists, railway authorities emphasise that the timetable prioritises seamless daytime access to Ahmedabad and the expansion of western India’s tourism network.

As discussions over schedule balance continue, the railway administration remains confident that the service will help link Rajasthan’s heritage hub with Gujarat’s cultural and medical infrastructure, ultimately broadening travel possibilities for domestic and international visitors alike. DeshGujarat