The newly inaugurated Sabarmati–Veraval Vande Bharat Express is set to redefine travel between Ahmedabad and the sacred city of Somnath, significantly enhancing regional connectivity and religious tourism in Gujarat.
This semi-high-speed train, flagged off by the Prime Minister during his recent visit to Dahod, marks a pivotal development in India’s railway modernisation efforts. Designated as Train No. 26901/26902, the Sabarmati–Veraval Vande Bharat Express operates six days a week, excluding Thursdays. Departing from Sabarmati at 5:25 AM, it reaches Veraval by 12:25 PM. The return journey commences at 2:40 PM from Veraval, arriving back in Sabarmati at 9:35 PM the same day. Covering a distance of 438 kilometres in approximately seven hours, the train offers a swift and comfortable alternative to existing services.
The train halts at key stations including Viramgam, Surendranagar, Wankaner, Rajkot, and Junagadh, facilitating access to various significant cities and pilgrimage sites, notably the Girnar hills. Equipped with modern amenities such as automated doors, GPS-based passenger information systems, and ergonomic seating, the train offers both AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car classes, catering to diverse passenger preferences. The introduction of this service is anticipated to bolster religious tourism, particularly to the revered Somnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Enhanced accessibility and reduced travel times are expected to attract more pilgrims and tourists, thereby stimulating the local economy.
In conjunction with the train’s inauguration, the Prime Minister also unveiled India’s first 9,000-horsepower D-90 electric locomotive, manufactured at the Dahod facility. This development underscores the nation’s commitment to self-reliance in railway manufacturing and aligns with the broader ‘Make in India’ initiative. Furthermore, the electrification of the Sabarmati–Botad rail section signifies Gujarat’s achievement of 100% railway electrification, marking a significant milestone in sustainable transportation. The Sabarmati–Veraval Vande Bharat Express embodies a fusion of technological advancement and cultural connectivity, promising a transformative impact on regional travel and economic development.
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