An Evolution in Service: From Asarva to Surat
In a recent decision by the Railway Board in early September 2026, the Vande Bharat Express that ran between Udaipur City and Asarva (Ahmedabad) has been discontinued. However, this is not a cancellation but an upgrade. The service has been extended to
create a new route connecting Udaipur directly with the commercial city of Surat. This new train, operated by Western Railway, effectively replaces the previous Asarva-bound service and offers enhanced connectivity for passengers travelling between southern Rajasthan and central and south Gujarat. The existing Asarva station remains a key stop on this newly extended line, integrating the old route into a more comprehensive network.
The New Timetable: Surat–Udaipur Vande Bharat
Passengers must take note of the new schedule for train numbers 26903/26904. The train will continue to run six days a week, with no service on Tuesdays. The morning departure from Gujarat is now from Surat at 6:10 AM, scheduled to reach Udaipur City at 1:40 PM. For the return journey, the train will depart from Udaipur City in the afternoon at 3:35 PM and arrive in Surat at 11:00 PM the same night. This schedule provides a viable same-day travel option for those heading to Udaipur and an evening return for those concluding their trip in the Lake City.
Expanded Route and Stoppages
The new Surat–Udaipur Vande Bharat covers a longer distance and includes more commercial halts to serve a wider range of passengers. The approved stops on this extended route include Zawar, Dungarpur, Shamlaji Road, Himmatnagar, Asarva, Maninagar, Anand, Vadodara, and Bharuch. This route not only maintains the previous connection to the Ahmedabad area via Asarva but also adds crucial links to major cities in Gujarat like Vadodara and Bharuch, providing Surat with its first-ever Vande Bharat Express. The total journey time between Surat and Udaipur is expected to be approximately seven and a half hours.
A Look Back at the Asarva Service
The original Udaipur-Asarva Vande Bharat (train no. 26963/26964), which launched in February 2026, had quickly become a key link between the two cities. It covered the roughly 296-kilometre distance in about four hours and fifteen minutes, a significant time-saving over other trains. That service departed from Udaipur at 6:10 AM and from Asarva at 5:45 PM. While that specific service is now discontinued, its path from Udaipur to Asarva forms the northern leg of the new, more ambitious Surat route, preserving the popular and efficient connection it established.
The Vande Bharat Experience
Regardless of the route change, the passenger experience remains a key selling point. The Vande Bharat trains are known for their modern amenities and comfort. The eight-coach train consists of AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car classes. Travellers can expect features such as comfortable reclining seats, automatic sliding doors, bio-vacuum toilets, and large windows offering scenic views of the Aravalli range. Onboard Wi-Fi, a GPS-based passenger information system, and mobile charging points at every seat are standard, ensuring a convenient and connected journey. These features aim to make rail travel a more competitive and attractive option compared to road transport.
