The Indian Railways is set to launch a new Vande Bharat Express linking Udaipur in Rajasthan with Ahmedabad in Gujarat, marking a strategic effort to enhance regional connectivity and economic access across northern Gujarat and southern Rajasthan. The semi-high-speed service, scheduled to operate six days a week, will serve multiple intermediate towns, providing faster, modern rail access for both urban and semi-urban populations.
The new route emerges as two existing Vande Bharat services from Udaipur to Jaipur and Agra are phased out this month, reflecting the Railways’ ongoing network realignment. Officials indicate that this shift is intended to optimise route efficiency while catering to evolving passenger demand along key economic corridors. By connecting Udaipur’s tourism and industrial centres with Ahmedabad’s commercial hubs and international airport, the service could stimulate intra-regional trade, boost tourism, and enhance mobility for daily commuters.
The train will halt at Zawar, Dungarpur, and Himmatnagar, towns that have historically experienced limited high-speed connectivity. Urban planners suggest that including smaller towns in semi-high-speed networks supports more inclusive urban development, reducing regional inequalities and enabling smaller economies to participate in larger urban markets. The move also aligns with broader transportation strategies aimed at reducing reliance on private vehicles, thereby lowering carbon emissions in line with climate-resilient urban planning objectives. Equipped with eight air-conditioned chair car coaches and premium amenities, the service underscores the Railways’ push to offer modern, comfortable, and energy-efficient travel options. Industry experts note that faster rail links often correlate with increased property demand along the corridor, potentially influencing residential and commercial real estate markets in both northern Gujarat and southern Rajasthan. For Ahmedabad, the connection could strengthen its role as a regional business hub, facilitating quicker access to the city’s expanding technology, logistics, and manufacturing sectors.
From an environmental and infrastructure perspective, the project reflects a gradual shift towards semi-high-speed rail as a low-carbon alternative to short-haul air travel. By integrating these routes into broader urban networks, cities along the corridor could experience more sustainable mobility patterns, supporting public transport adoption while easing road congestion.Looking ahead, analysts suggest monitoring passenger uptake and local economic response, as successful integration could inform future expansions of climate-conscious, inclusive rail infrastructure across India’s mid-sized cities and towns.
