Ahmedabad: The newly launched Vande Bharat Express between Asarwa (Ahmedabad) and Udaipur City, inaugurated on February 16, 2026, has turned out to be one of the slowest-running Vande Bharat services originating from Gujarat in terms of average operational speed, despite the corridor being designed for semi-high-speed travel. The train covers a distance of 296 km in approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes, with three commercial halts at Himmatnagar, Dungarpur and Zawar. This results in an average ...Read More

Bhavnagar: While the Vande Bharat Express has emerged as a symbol of modern rail travel, connecting 21 cities and towns across Gujarat, local leaders and the main opposition party, Congress, have voiced frustration over the city’s exclusion from the network. Despite the popularity of six existing Vande Bharat trains in the state, Bhavnagar still lacks a direct semi-high-speed rail link to Mumbai or Surat, intensifying demands from both the public and the political opposition. The demand for i...Read More

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, explain...Read More

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 ...Read More

Ahmedabad: The highly anticipated Vande Bharat Express connecting Ahmedabad and Udaipur is scheduled for its inaugural run on February 16, with regular services set to commence on the 18th. While the train promises modern connectivity, its official schedule has triggered debate among frequent travellers, tourists, and pilgrims in Gujarat, many of whom claim the timings favour Udaipur residents while inconveniencing passengers from Ahmedabad. Concerns Over an “Unviable” Tourist Schedule T...Read More

Ahmedabad: North Western Railway has announced the introduction of the Udaipur City–Asarva (Ahmedabad)–Udaipur Vande Bharat Express (Train Nos. 26963/26964), marking a major boost to high-speed rail connectivity between southern Rajasthan and Gujarat. According to the official notification, the inaugural one-way special run (Train No. 09663) from Udaipur City to Asarva will operate on February 16, 2026. The train will depart from Udaipur City at 12:25 pm and reach Asarva at 5:15 pm, halting...Read More

Ahmedabad: Between January 1, 2025, and January 31, 2026, nearly 32 lakh passengers travelled on five pairs of Vande Bharat trains operating from Gujarat over a 13-month period. According to Western Railway, the Vande Bharat Express has emerged as a preferred choice due to its high speed and comfort-oriented travel experience. The Mumbai–Ahmedabad–Mumbai service recorded an occupancy rate of 140%, while the Ahmedabad–Okha route maintained around 90% occupancy. The Sabarmati–Jodhpur Vand...Read More

New Delhi: The Ministry of Railways has sanctioned a new Vande Bharat Express service between Udaipur and Asarwa (Ahmedabad), even as two existing Vande Bharat trains originating from Udaipur are scheduled to be withdrawn this week. The upcoming Udaipur–Ahmedabad service will replace the current Udaipur–Agra Cantt and Udaipur–Jaipur Vande Bharat routes. As per the North Western Railway (NWR): Train No. 20981/82 (Udaipur City–Agra Cantt) will cease operations from February 15, ...Read More

New Delhi: The Ministry of Railways has approved the introduction of a new Vande Bharat Express service between Udaipur City and Asarva (Ahmedabad), according to an official communication issued by the Railway Board. The decision aims to strengthen high-speed rail connectivity between southern Rajasthan and Gujarat while rationalising existing Vande Bharat operations in the region. However, the official date of commencement and launch has yet to be announced by the Railways. The nod for the new...Read More

Rajkot: Making reels and clicking selfies near railway tracks turned fatal on Monday evening when two friends were killed after being hit by a train on the outskirts of the city. The incident occurred near the Maldhari railway crossing close to Gondal Chowkdi around 5 pm, as four friends were reportedly trying to take photographs on the railway track moments before the Veraval–Sabarmati BG Vande Bharat Express train passed through. Officials from the Aji Dam police station said the youths al...Read More