Shamlaji: In a significant decision benefiting thousands of devotees as well as residents of Aravalli district, the Ministry of Railways has approved a stoppage of the Vande Bharat Express at Shamlaji Road railway station on the Asarwa (Ahmedabad)–Udaipur route. The approval has been granted following a written representation by Sabarkantha MP Shobhanaben M. Baraiya to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, citing the religious importance of the Shamlaji pilgrimage site and the large number of devotees visiting the temple every year.

According to official communication issued by the Railway Minister, train numbers 26963/26964 Udaipur City–Asarwa Vande Bharat Express will now halt at Shamlaji Road station. The decision is expected to significantly reduce travel time for pilgrims travelling to the famous Shamlaji Temple, one of the major religious destinations in North Gujarat.

However, the timings of the halt are yet to be confirmed by the railway authorities, after which travellers will be able to book tickets to and from Shamlaji.

MP’s representation leads to approval

In her letter to the Railway Minister dated February 12, MP Shobhanaben Baraiya had requested a stoppage of the Vande Bharat Express at Shamlaji Road, noting that the Sabarkantha parliamentary constituency includes Sabarkantha and Aravalli districts, where a large number of devotees regularly travel to the Shamlaji Temple. She also highlighted that improved rail connectivity would promote religious tourism and provide relief to passengers who currently depend on slower transport options.

Responding to the request, the Railway Ministry informed the MP on March 3 that the demand had been accepted in the public interest and the stoppage had been approved.

Boost to tourism and local economy

With the halt of a premium semi-high-speed train like Vande Bharat, connectivity to the Shamlaji pilgrimage site is expected to improve considerably. Devotees travelling from both Gujarat and Rajasthan will now be able to reach the temple faster and more comfortably.

For local residents, the decision is also expected to boost tourism, trade, and employment in Aravalli district, as easier access is likely to increase the number of visitors to the temple and nearby areas.

With this stoppage, Shamlaji will become the 22nd place in the state to get Vande Bharat connectivity. DeshGujarat