Indian Railways has launched the first Vande Bharat Express train of the financial year 2025-26, bringing a fresh wave of excitement for rail travellers in Gujarat. 🚂
This high-speed train, manufactured by Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory (ICF), features the signature blue-and-white design and promises a faster, smoother, and more comfortable journey for passengers.
Route and Distance 🛤️
The newly introduced Vande Bharat Express will run between Veraval (Somnath) and Sabarmati (Ahmedabad). It will pass through key towns like Rajkot, making it a convenient option for pilgrims, tourists, and daily commuters. The total distance covered by the train is 438 kilometres.
Journey Time and Frequency 🕐
The Vande Bharat Express between Sabarmati and Veraval will take approximately 7 hours to complete the journey. It will operate six days a week, with no service on Thursdays.
- Train number 26901 will run from Sabarmati to Veraval, departing at 5:25 AM and reaching Veraval at 12:25 PM.
- The return journey, with train number 26902, will leave Veraval at 2:40 PM and reach Sabarmati at 9:35 PM the same day.
Stoppages Along the Route 📍
During its journey, the Vande Bharat Express will halt at five important stations: Viramgam Junction, Surendranagar, Wankaner Junction, Rajkot Junction, and Junagadh Junction. These stops make the train accessible to a wide range of passengers across Gujarat.
Coach Types and Ticket Prices 🎟️
- The train comes equipped with two types of air-conditioned coaches: AC Chair Car and Executive AC Chair Car.
- The fare for a one-way journey between Sabarmati and Veraval is ₹1105 for AC Chair Car & ₹2110 for Executive AC.
Both coach types offer modern amenities like reclining seats, bio-vacuum toilets, ample luggage space, and large windows for scenic views.
Book Vande Bharat Trains on Paytm.
A Boost for Gujarat’s Rail Network 🚂
The introduction of the Vande Bharat Express is expected to boost tourism, especially for those travelling to the famous Somnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. It also enhances business and travel connectivity in the Saurashtra region, connecting important cultural and economic hubs.
Final Thoughts 📝
With this launch, Indian Railways continues to push forward its modernisation goals, offering world-class travel experiences on domestic routes. The Sabarmati-Veraval Vande Bharat Express is ideal for anyone looking to travel quickly and comfortably between Ahmedabad and Somnath.
If you’re planning a trip to Somnath or explore Gujarat by train, this new Vande Bharat Express is worth considering.
