Bhuj: A new direct rail service connecting Kutch with New Delhi was launched on Friday, with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel participating virtually from Gandhinagar and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw joining the flag-off ceremony from Pali, Rajasthan.

The launch of the Bhuj–Delhi Express fulfills a long-pending demand for direct rail connectivity between the border district and the national capital. The train will run via Bhildi, Jalore, Pali Marwar and Marwar Junction. Significantly, it marks the first-ever direct rail connection between Jalore and New Delhi.

The train will cover a distance of 1,239 km in approximately 24 hours and 30 minutes and will operate daily.

Train numbers and stoppages

The service will operate as Train No. 19403/19404 between Bhuj and Delhi. During its journey, the train will halt at 22 stations, including Anjar, Gandhidham BG, Bhachau BG, Bhildi, Dhanera, Raniwara, Marwar Bhinmal, Modran, Jalor, Mokalsar, Samdari Junction, Luni Junction, Pali Marwar, Marwar Junction, Beawar, Ajmer Junction, Kishangarh, Jaipur Junction, Gandhinagar Jaipur, Bandikui Junction, Alwar Junction and Rewari Junction.

Timings

Train No. 19403, the Bhuj–Delhi Express, will commence operations from May 23, 2026, departing Bhuj at 11:15 am and reaching Delhi at 11:45 am the following day.

In the return direction, Train No. 19404, the Delhi–Bhuj Daily Express, will begin operations from May 24, 2026. The train will depart Delhi at 4:40 pm and arrive in Bhuj at 7:35 pm the following day.

Coach composition and fare

The Bhuj–Delhi Express will comprise 18 LHB coaches, including one AC 2-tier coach, three AC 3-tier coaches, eight sleeper class coaches, four general coaches, one power car and one guard coach.

Ticket fares have been fixed at Rs 590 for Sleeper Class, Rs 1,530 for AC 3-tier and Rs 2,180 for AC 2-tier travel between Bhuj and Delhi.

Bookings for Train No. 19403 have opened at PRS counters and through the IRCTC portal.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for introducing the direct rail link and recently approving the Ahmedabad–Dholera Semi High-Speed Rail Project.

He said Indian Railways serves as a vital pillar of the country’s transportation network and has undergone significant transformation over the past 12 years under the Prime Minister’s leadership.

The Chief Minister said railway infrastructure development in Gujarat has accelerated significantly since 2014, with nearly 2,900 km of new railway tracks constructed across the state. He added that railway projects worth approximately Rs 1.28 lakh crore are currently underway in Gujarat.

Patel further said Gujarat received Rs 17,366 crore under the Railway Budget for 2026–27, representing a 29% increase compared to allocations made in 2014. DeshGujarat