Upgraded Stations for a Better Journey
The travel experience begins even before you board the train. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, dozens of railway stations across Gujarat are being transformed into modern transit hubs. So far, 22 stations, including Pratapnagar, Godhra, Porbandar,
and Bhaktinagar, have been redeveloped and inaugurated, with an eventual goal of upgrading 87 stations throughout the state. These upgrades focus on enhancing functionality, aesthetics, and passenger comfort. This means cleaner platforms, better seating, improved accessibility with features like tactile tiles, and modern amenities that make the start and end of every journey smoother.
The Vande Bharat Effect
Vande Bharat Express trains are already changing the face of intercity travel in Gujarat, connecting key cities with unprecedented speed and comfort. The network continues to expand, with recent approvals for new services like the six-day-a-week Vande Bharat Express between Surat and Udaipur. This train will connect central and south Gujarat with Rajasthan, completing the journey in about seven and a half hours. Additionally, route adjustments, such as the rerouting of the Sabarmati-Veraval Vande Bharat, are being made to bring high-speed rail access to more districts in the Saurashtra region, including Botad and Amreli.
Vande Metro: The Future of Commuting
For even shorter trips, the upcoming Vande Metro service promises a revolution in regional commuting. These trains are designed for rapid, frequent service between nearby cities and industrial hubs. Trial runs for a service between Vadodara and Ahmedabad are expected to begin soon. Another key corridor being developed is the Ahmedabad-Dholera route, which will support the new Dholera Special Investment Region. This service will feature fewer stops to maintain high speeds, connecting the emerging industrial hub with Ahmedabad. A Bhuj-Ahmedabad service, recently named Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, is also set to begin, covering the 360-kilometre distance in under six hours.
The High-Speed Rail Game-Changer
While a long-term project, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor is steadily progressing and will redefine travel along its path in Gujarat. Civil construction on the Vapi-Surat section is expected to be completed by December 2026, with the first section between Surat and Bilimora targeted for commissioning in 2027. With a design speed of up to 350 km/h, the bullet train will slash the journey between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to under two hours. For short trips within Gujarat, it will connect cities like Vapi, Surat, Bharuch, and Vadodara with incredible speed, making same-day return trips effortless.
Expanding the Core Network
Beyond high-profile projects, crucial work is being done to upgrade the foundational railway network. This includes track doubling, which allows more trains to run simultaneously and reduces delays. Key projects include the doubling of the Adipur-Bhuj section in Kutch, which will enhance connectivity and support increased passenger and freight traffic. Similarly, the Vishwamitri-Dabhoi line is being doubled to improve connectivity towards the Statue of Unity. On the busy Delhi-Mumbai route, the Vadodara-Ratlam section is set to get third and fourth lines, significantly increasing capacity and making train operations faster and more reliable.
