In a major boost to Saurashtra’s rail connectivity, a new Vande Bharat Express train has been launched between Veraval and Sabarmati (Ahmedabad), promising a faster and more comfortable journey for commuters. This marks the 67th Vande Bharat train service across India and the second in the Saurashtra region after the Okha-Ahmedabad route.
As per agency report, the new semi-high-speed service will significantly reduce travel time, with the journey from Rajkot to Ahmedabad now taking just four hours and Rajkot to Veraval only three hours. Covering a total distance of 450 kilometers, the train will complete the journey in just seven hours.
The Veraval-Ahmedabad Vande Bharat will operate six days a week, with Thursday designated as its weekly maintenance day. The train will have five major stops en route: Viramgam, Surendranagar, Wankaner, Rajkot, and Junagadh.
The daily schedule includes departures from Rajkot to Veraval at 9:36 AM with an arrival at 12:25 PM, and the return leg from Veraval to Rajkot departing at 2:40 PM and reaching at 5:27 PM. The Rajkot-Ahmedabad leg will depart at 5:22 PM and reach at 9:35 PM. The Ahmedabad to Veraval service will begin at 5:25 AM.
The Indian Railways has also announced the fare structure for this route. The executive class fare from Rajkot to Ahmedabad is set at ₹1,630, while the AC chair car fare is ₹935. For the Rajkot-Veraval leg, the executive fare is ₹1,280 and ₹695 for AC chair car. A trip from Rajkot to Junagadh will cost ₹1,085 in executive class and ₹565 in AC chair car.
Complementing the new service, the Rajkot-Hadmatiya rail line has been doubled over a 39-kilometer stretch at a cost of ₹377 crore. This development is expected to enhance the movement of long-distance trains, with the potential for new services to popular destinations such as Haridwar.
The launch of this Vande Bharat service is seen as a significant step in improving intercity travel within Gujarat. It not only cuts down travel time but is also poised to boost regional development and tourism in Saurashtra by offering a fast, reliable, and luxurious rail experience.
