A Game-Changer for Regional Travel
The introduction of the Surat-Udaipur Vande Bharat Express is a significant development for travellers in both Gujarat and Rajasthan. This service marks Surat's first originating Vande Bharat train, directly linking the 'Diamond City' with the popular
tourist destination of Udaipur. The new train is poised to be a game-changer for both business and leisure travel, cutting down journey times significantly compared to road transport and existing rail options. Previously, the train journey could take over 12 hours, but this new service aims to cover the distance in approximately seven and a half hours. This boost in connectivity is expected to be particularly popular among tourists and for those attending destination weddings in Udaipur, a frequent travel purpose for residents of Surat.
Route, Timings, and Frequency
The Railway Board has approved the service to run six days a week, with no operations on Tuesdays. The train, numbered 26903, will depart from Surat at 6:10 AM and is scheduled to arrive in Udaipur City at 1:40 PM the same day. For the return journey, train number 26904 will leave Udaipur City at 3:35 PM and reach Surat at 11:00 PM. This schedule allows for a convenient day-long journey between the two cities. The train will cover a distance of approximately 690 kilometres and is designed to operate at a maximum speed of 160 kmph, although the average speed will be lower due to terrain and track conditions.
Key Stops Along the Way
To serve passengers from intermediate towns and cities, the Surat-Udaipur Vande Bharat Express will have nine official commercial stoppages along its route. After departing from Surat, the train will halt at Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Maninagar, and Asarva in Gujarat. After crossing into Rajasthan, the key stops include Himmatnagar, Shamlaji Road, Dungarpur, and Zawar before its final destination of Udaipur City. These stops are strategically chosen to enhance connectivity across southern Rajasthan and key commercial centres in Gujarat. Maintenance for the train will be carried out in Surat, with watering facilities available at Vadodara and Asarva stations.
Onboard Experience and Features
As a Vande Bharat Express, the train offers a premium travel experience. It is a second-generation, 8-car 'Mini Vande Bharat 2.0' rake, manufactured domestically by the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai. Passengers can expect modern amenities such as AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car classes with airline-style seating, large windows for observation, and on-board WiFi for entertainment. The coaches are equipped with automatic doors, comfortable reclining seats, and GPS-based passenger information systems. Onboard catering is also available, providing meals and refreshments throughout the journey. The train is also equipped with the Kavach anti-collision system for enhanced safety.
Changes to Existing Services
The introduction of this new, longer route has led to a change in existing services. With the approval of the Surat-Udaipur train, the Railway Board has also sanctioned the discontinuation of the Udaipur City-Asarva (Ahmedabad) Vande Bharat Express (train numbers 26963/26964). That service, which was only introduced in February 2026, will now be effectively replaced and extended to Surat. This strategic decision extends the premium connectivity from the Ahmedabad area directly to one of Gujarat's largest commercial cities, creating a more comprehensive and useful route for a wider range of passengers.
