The Indian Railways has announced a significant route revision for the Sabarmati-Veraval Vande Bharat Express (Train Nos. 26901/26902), set to take effect from August 17, 2026. This high-speed service, originally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 26, 2025, will now offer improved connectivity across the Saurashtra region by shifting its path to run via Gandhigram and Botad.
Key highlights of the upcoming changes include:
- New Route Path: The train will now traverse through Gandhigram, Dholka, Dhandhuka, Botad, Dhola, Dhasa, and Junagadh, instead of the previous route via Viramgam, Surendranagar, Wankaner, and Rajkot.
- Efficient Travel: The journey is expected to take approximately 6 hours and 50 minutes, effectively saving about 10 minutes of travel time.
- Revised Timings: Train No. 26901 will depart Sabarmati at 6:00 AM and arrive at Veraval at 12:50 PM. For the return leg, Train No. 26902 will depart Veraval at 3:50 PM and reach Sabarmati at 10:25 PM.
- Service Frequency: The train will continue to operate six days a week, with Thursday remaining the non-operating day.
Enhanced Connectivity for Gujarat
This strategic route shift, officially approved by the Railway Board on June 8, 2026, introduces seven new stoppages. By bypassing the older route, the railway aims to provide better access to passengers in regions such as Botad, Dhandhuka, and Dholka. This move is particularly beneficial for traders, students, and business travelers who rely on this corridor for daily commutes.
Furthermore, the new itinerary serves as a major boost for tourism. Passengers traveling to the iconic Somnath Temple and the Gir National Park will now enjoy a more direct and efficient rail link. By offering a new boarding point at Gandhigram in Ahmedabad, the railways are making high-speed travel more accessible to a larger demographic. Passengers are advised that bookings for the revised route are expected to open shortly, and they should check the official IRCTC portal for the latest updates before planning their journey.