Surat-Udaipur Vande Bharat Express: Travel Time Slashed!
The Ministry of Railways has officially inaugurated the Surat-Udaipur City Vande Bharat Express, marking a significant upgrade in regional connectivity between Gujarat and Rajasthan. This new high-speed service is designed to catalyze trade and boost economic growth across the region.
A Massive Leap in Connectivity
The inaugural special train, numbered 09103, departed from Surat at 10:00 AM on October 2, 2026, and arrived at Udaipur City by 5:40 PM. This new service has revolutionized the journey, covering approximately 690 kilometers in about 7 hours and 30 minutes. This is a drastic improvement compared to the previous transit time, which took nearly 13 hours.
The launch was strategically timed to benefit passengers ahead of the Navratri festival, which begins on October 11. Union Minister for Railways Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw participated in the launch virtually, while Union Minister Shri C.R. Patil attended the event in person.
Schedule and Commercial Operations
While the inaugural run took place on October 2, the regular commercial operations for the service are scheduled as follows:
- Train number 26904 (Udaipur to Surat): Commencing October 3, 2026.
- Train number 26903 (Surat to Udaipur): Commencing October 4, 2026.
The train will operate six days a week, with Tuesdays reserved for scheduled maintenance. The Western Railway (WR) zone will oversee the operations and maintenance of the service, with confirmation provided by the North Western Railway.
Premium Amenities Onboard
The eight-coach Vande Bharat Express is equipped with modern features to ensure a comfortable journey. Passengers can choose between Executive Chair Car and AC Chair Car seating. The train also features:
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- In-train infotainment systems
- On-board catering services
Route and Scheduled Stops
The Surat-Udaipur Vande Bharat Express will serve nine key stations along its route, providing much-needed connectivity to several towns:
- Bharuch
- Vadodara
- Anand
- Maninagar
- Asarva
- Himmatnagar
- Shamlaji Road
- Dungarpur
- Zawar
Primary maintenance for the rake will be conducted in Surat, while watering facilities are available at Vadodara and Asarva stations. Passengers are reminded that carrying an original ID proof is mandatory for all reserved travel.
Note: With the introduction of this new service, the existing Udaipur-Asarwa Vande Bharat service ceased operations on October 2, 2026.