Surat-Udaipur Vande Bharat Express to Launch on October 2
Western Railway has officially announced the introduction of a new Surat-Udaipur Vande Bharat Express, providing a high-speed rail link between Gujarat and Rajasthan. This much-anticipated service, which received approval from the Railway Board on August 31, 2026, is set to begin its inaugural run on October 2, 2026.
While the first journey takes place on October 2, regular commercial operations for the public are scheduled to commence on October 4, 2026. This new semi-high-speed service will operate six days a week, with Tuesdays reserved exclusively for essential maintenance work.
Replacing the Existing Udaipur-Asarva Service
The introduction of this new route marks a significant change in the regional rail network. The Surat-Udaipur Vande Bharat Express will replace the existing Udaipur City-Asarva Vande Bharat Express, which has been in operation since February 2026. The new service features an 8-car coach composition designed to offer enhanced comfort and speed for passengers traveling the approximately 690-kilometer route.