The Schedule: Timings and Frequency
The first thing to check is whether the train's schedule fits your travel plans. The Surat-Udaipur City Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 26903/26904) is scheduled to run six days a week, with no service on Tuesdays. From Surat, train 26903 departs at 6:10
AM, arriving in Udaipur City at 1:40 PM. For the return journey, train 26904 leaves Udaipur City at 3:35 PM and reaches Surat at 11:00 PM. This convenient schedule allows for a full day of travel, getting you to your destination with plenty of time to spare.
The Journey: Route and Stops
Covering a distance of approximately 690 kilometres in about seven and a half hours, this service significantly enhances connectivity between South Gujarat and Southern Rajasthan. It's crucial to check the designated stops to see if they align with your itinerary. The train will make commercial halts at nine key stations: Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Maninagar, Asarva, Himmatnagar, Shamlaji Road, Dungarpur, and Zawar. These stops provide vital links to several important towns and cities, making the journey more accessible for a wider range of passengers. This new route effectively extends the previous Udaipur-Asarva service all the way to Surat.
Fare and Classes: What to Expect
Vande Bharat trains offer two main classes of travel: AC Chair Car (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC). While official fares are announced closer to the booking date, passengers can anticipate prices based on existing Vande Bharat structures. Estimates suggest that a ticket in the AC Chair Car could range from ₹1,400 to ₹1,800, while the more spacious Executive Class may cost between ₹2,600 and ₹3,200. These fares typically include onboard catering services, offering meals and snacks during your journey. Bookings can be made through the IRCTC website and mobile app.
Onboard Experience: Amenities and Comfort
The Vande Bharat Express is known for its modern, passenger-friendly amenities. The eight-coach trainset is fully air-conditioned and features ergonomically designed seats, with the Executive Class offering rotating seats. Passengers can expect onboard Wi-Fi, a GPS-based information system, and charging sockets for every seat. The coaches are equipped with CCTV cameras, automatic doors, and bio-vacuum toilets for enhanced hygiene and security. Large windows provide an excellent view of the passing landscape, making the journey itself part of the travel experience.
A Key Change for Travellers
An important point for frequent travellers on this corridor to note is that the introduction of the Surat-Udaipur City service has led to the discontinuation of the existing Udaipur City-Asarva Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 26963/26964). The new train essentially replaces and extends this older route, providing a longer, more direct connection. This change has been made to better serve passengers by linking Udaipur directly with major Gujarat cities like Vadodara and Surat, which is expected to boost both tourism and trade.
