A Game-Changer for Gujarat-Rajasthan Travel
The Railway Board has officially approved the introduction of a new Vande Bharat Express, creating a high-speed rail corridor between Surat and Udaipur. This is a significant development, as it marks the first Vande Bharat service to originate from Surat,
the diamond and textile hub of Gujarat. The new train is set to dramatically reduce travel time between the two cities to just seven and a half hours, a major improvement over the eight to nine hours typically required by road or the longer durations of existing train services. This move is expected to provide a substantial boost to tourism and business travel, creating a seamless link between South Gujarat and Southern Rajasthan. The service will run six days a week, giving travellers ample flexibility for planning weekend trips or longer holidays. The train will not operate on Tuesdays.
The Daily Schedule Decoded
The train's schedule is designed for convenience, allowing for a full day of travel without consuming the entire night. For those heading to Udaipur, the train (number 26903) will depart from Surat at a pleasant 6:10 AM and pull into Udaipur City at 1:40 PM, just in time for a late lunch and hotel check-in. On its return journey, the train (number 26904) will leave Udaipur City at 3:35 PM and arrive back in Surat at 11:00 PM the same evening. This well-planned timing allows tourists to maximize their stay in Udaipur, enjoying a morning in the city on their departure day before catching the afternoon train back. The service replaces the previous Udaipur City-Asarwa Vande Bharat, extending the high-speed connection directly to Surat.
Route, Stoppages, and Key Stations
Covering a distance of approximately 690 kilometres, the Surat-Udaipur Vande Bharat Express will connect several important towns and cities along its route. This makes it a valuable option not only for those travelling the full distance but also for passengers from intermediate locations. After departing from Surat, the train will make commercial stops at Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Maninagar, Asarva, Himmatnagar, Shamlaji Road, Dungarpur, and Zawar before reaching its final destination of Udaipur City. These stoppages provide crucial connectivity for travellers across central and northern Gujarat, linking them directly to the popular tourist circuits of southern Rajasthan.
What to Expect Onboard
Like other trains in the Vande Bharat fleet, this service will offer a premium travel experience. The eight-coach train is fully air-conditioned and features two classes of seating: AC Chair Car (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC). Passengers can expect ergonomically designed, reclining seats with ample legroom, ensuring a comfortable journey. The Executive Class typically offers wider, rotating seats and more spacious cabins. Standard amenities across all Vande Bharat trains include onboard catering with meals often included in the ticket price, clean and hygienic bio-vacuum toilets, and large windows for panoramic views. For passenger convenience and safety, the train is equipped with a GPS-based information system, CCTV cameras, automatic sliding doors, and charging ports for electronic devices at every seat.
A Glimpse into Fares and Booking
While the official fare structure for the Surat-Udaipur route is yet to be announced by Indian Railways, we can look at existing Vande Bharat services for an estimate. Typically, the ticket price for an AC Chair Car (CC) ranges from approximately ₹700 to ₹1,800, while the Executive Chair Car (EC) can cost between ₹1,300 and ₹3,500, depending on the distance and catering choices. Fares for this specific route will be finalized closer to the launch date. Bookings will be available through the official IRCTC website and mobile app, typically opening 60 days in advance. Given the high demand for Vande Bharat services, it is advisable to book your tickets early, especially for weekend or holiday travel.
Plan Your Udaipur Itinerary
The arrival time of 1:40 PM in Udaipur is perfect for travellers. It leaves the entire afternoon and evening free to begin exploring the 'City of Lakes'. After checking into your hotel, you could head for a serene boat ride on Lake Pichola, visit the historic Jag Mandir, or simply wander through the charming old city streets. The convenient evening departure time of 3:35 PM for the return journey allows for a leisurely morning of sightseeing or shopping. You could visit the majestic City Palace, the beautiful Saheliyon-ki-Bari, or the Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh) for a final panoramic view of the city before heading to the station. This new train makes a weekend trip from Surat not just possible, but comfortable and efficient.
