An Upgraded Connection
This new service is more than just a fresh route; it’s a significant upgrade. The Railway Board has confirmed that this train will replace the existing Udaipur City-Asarva Vande Bharat, extending the high-speed connection directly to Surat. By doing so,
it fulfills a long-standing demand from travellers and businesses in both regions for a direct, premium link. The train, operating six days a week except for Tuesdays, is poised to become a vital artery for commerce and tourism, with services expected to commence before the Navratri festival in October 2026.
The Route: Surat to Udaipur
The journey from Surat is a tale of two states, linking major industrial zones with historical heartlands. The train will make nine key commercial stops along its path before arriving in Udaipur, each station selected to maximize connectivity for passengers across southern Gujarat and southern Rajasthan. Let's trace the path from start to finish.
Stops 1, 2 & 3: Bharuch, Vadodara, and Anand
Shortly after departing from the commercial hub of Surat, the train’s first halts are deep in Gujarat's industrial and cultural belt. The stop at Bharuch serves its thriving industrial district. Next is Vadodara, known as Gujarat's cultural capital, offering a major junction for passengers connecting from other parts of the state. The third stop is Anand, the heart of India's dairy industry and home to the iconic Amul cooperative, providing a crucial link for business travellers in the region.
Stops 4 & 5: Maninagar and Asarva
Continuing north, the Vande Bharat enters the orbit of Gujarat's largest city, Ahmedabad. The stops at Maninagar and Asarva are strategically important, providing seamless access for passengers from different parts of the sprawling metropolitan area. Asarva was the previous terminus for the Vande Bharat from Udaipur, and its inclusion in the new route ensures that connectivity to Ahmedabad remains robust. This leg of the journey solidifies the train's role as a key connector between Gujarat's major urban centres.
Stops 6 & 7: Himmatnagar and Shamlaji Road
As the train proceeds towards the Rajasthan border, it makes two important stops in northern Gujarat. Himmatnagar serves as a commercial centre for the Sabarkantha district. The halt at Shamlaji Road is significant for pilgrims, providing easy access to the renowned Shamlaji Temple, a major Vaishnavite shrine. These stations connect the semi-urban and rural populations of the region to the main economic hubs of Surat and Udaipur.
Stops 8 & 9: Dungarpur and Zawar
Crossing into Rajasthan, the train makes its first stop at Dungarpur. This city is the gateway to the tribal heartland of southern Rajasthan, known for its unique architecture and lush landscape. The final halt before the destination is Zawar, a town historically famous for its silver and zinc mines, which have been active for centuries. These stops provide a much-needed premium travel option for residents of the Mewar-Vagad region and open up new avenues for tourism.
Destination: Udaipur
The journey culminates at Udaipur City, the celebrated 'City of Lakes' and a global tourist magnet. The arrival of a direct Vande Bharat from Surat, a major business centre, is expected to provide a significant boost to tourism. It will offer a fast, comfortable, and convenient option for both leisure travellers looking to explore Udaipur's palaces, lakes, and vibrant culture, and for business travellers connecting with the region's hospitality and marble industries.
