Railway Board Greenlights New Vande Bharat Express, Phases Out Two Existing Services
The Ministry of Railways has officially sanctioned the launch of a new Vande Bharat Express train, significantly enhancing connectivity between Rajasthan and Gujarat. This semi-high speed service will operate between Udaipur City and Asarwa (Ahmedabad), marking another milestone in India's rail modernization efforts. The North Western Railway (NWR) zone will be responsible for the maintenance and operation of this premium train.
Strategic Route Enhancement and Economic Impact
According to official statements from the NWR, the introduction of the Udaipur City-Asarwa (Ahmedabad) Vande Bharat train is designed specifically for passenger convenience. This new route is expected to transform regional connectivity dramatically, fostering economic growth through improved transportation infrastructure. The train will provide a faster, more comfortable travel experience, supporting business and tourism exchanges between the two states.
Discontinuation of Two Existing Vande Bharat Services
Concurrently with this expansion, Indian Railways has made the strategic decision to discontinue two existing Vande Bharat Express services. These trains currently operate on the Udaipur City–Agra Cantt and Udaipur City–Jaipur routes. The national transporter confirmed that Train No. 20981/82 (Udaipur City–Agra Cantt–Udaipur City) Vande Bharat Express will cease operations from February 15, 2026. Similarly, Train No. 20979/80 (Udaipur City–Jaipur–Udaipur City) Vande Bharat Express will be discontinued from February 14, 2026.
Operational Details of the New Vande Bharat Service
The Udaipur City-Asarwa (Ahmedabad)-Udaipur City Vande Bharat Express will operate six days per week, with no service on Tuesdays. The specific schedule has been meticulously planned:
- Train No. 26963: Departs Udaipur City at 6:10 AM and arrives at Asarwa (Ahmedabad) at 10:25 AM.
- Train No. 26964: Departs Asarwa (Ahmedabad) at 5:45 PM and arrives at Udaipur City at 10:00 PM.
Route Stoppages and Technical Specifications
The NWR has confirmed that the new Vande Bharat Express will make scheduled stops at three intermediate stations: Zawar, Dungarpur, and Himmat Nagar. This strategic stopping pattern ensures accessibility for passengers from multiple locations along the route while maintaining efficient travel times.
Technologically advanced, this Vande Bharat Express can achieve maximum speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour. The train incorporates state-of-the-art amenities and safety features, offering passengers a premium travel experience that combines speed with comfort. The introduction of this service represents a significant step forward in India's rail infrastructure development, particularly in enhancing connectivity between major urban centers in western India.
The Railway Board's decision reflects a broader strategy to optimize the Vande Bharat network, reallocating resources to routes with higher passenger demand and strategic importance. This move is expected to improve overall operational efficiency while expanding the reach of semi-high speed rail services to new corridors.
