During his Gujarat visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the much-awaited Sabarmati-Veraval Vande Bharat Express on 26 May 2025. This new semi-high-speed train service aims to enhance connectivity between Ahmedabad and the sacred city of Somnath, significantly reducing travel time and offering a more comfortable journey for pilgrims and tourists.
Sabarmati-Veraval Vande Bharat Express To Enhance Connectivity
Dahod is a tribal dominated area in Gujarat. For decades, this part was ignored. The BJP Government in Gujarat and the Centre have worked to ensure the fruits of development reach the people.
As a part of such efforts, a Loco Manufacturing Shop at the Rolling Stock Workshop in… pic.twitter.com/pEt6hnRCzr
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 26, 2025
The Sabarmati-Veraval Vande Bharat Express (Train Nos. 22991/22992) covers a distance of 438 km in approximately 7 hours. The train departs from Sabarmati at 5:25 AM and reaches Veraval by 12:25 PM. The return journey begins at 2:40 PM from Veraval and concludes at Sabarmati at 9:35 PM. It operates six days a week, excluding Thursdays.
The route includes key stoppages at Viramgam, Surendranagar, Wankaner, Rajkot, and Junagadh. These halts are strategically chosen to serve major towns in the region, offering better access to both local commuters and long-distance travellers.
According to ET Now, the new Vande Bharat service includes AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car classes, with ticket fares priced at ₹1,105 and ₹2,110 respectively. The train offers modern onboard amenities such as automatic doors, GPS-based information displays, and bio-vacuum toilets.
Boost To Religious And Cultural Tourism
This new train service provides a significant boost to religious tourism. Somnath Temple, located in Veraval, is one of the twelve jyotirlingas and draws thousands of pilgrims throughout the year. The Vande Bharat Express now offers a quicker and more convenient route to this spiritual destination.
Also Read: Mumbai-Ahmedabad Vande Metro: Distance, Stops, Expected Ticket Price And All You Need To Know
According to reports by the Economic Times, this train is expected to encourage more domestic tourists to explore the Saurashtra region. With enhanced comfort, shorter travel duration, and efficient service, the route is set to become a popular option for travellers.
PM Modi’s Broader Rail Infrastructure Push In Gujarat
The Prime Minister also launched the Valsad-Dahod Express on the same day, further strengthening rail links in the state. This daily express train aims to improve east-west connectivity in Gujarat, covering 346 km and halting at several major junctions.
As reported by ET Now, PM Modi’s visit also marked the inauguration of a locomotive manufacturing unit in Dahod, built in collaboration with Siemens. The facility is expected to produce 1,200 electric locomotives, reinforcing India’s commitment to sustainable railway development.
Also Read: Patna From Gorakhpur In Just 5 Hours In Vande Bharat; Schedule, Fare And All About It
The Sabarmati-Veraval Vande Bharat Express stands out as a significant step towards transforming Gujarat’s travel infrastructure. With faster services and improved passenger experience, it supports the dual goals of enhancing connectivity and promoting tourism in the region.
Cover Image Courtesy: @narendramodi/X