PM India Involute Process Turns Iron Ore Waste into Clean MagnetiteFlags Off New Vande Bharat and Valsad Express Trains in Gujarat
Prime Minister virtually inaugurated two new train services from Dahod on Sunday, marking a significant expansion in Gujarat’s railway connectivity.
The Indian Railways introduced a new Vande Bharat Express between Sabarmati and Veraval, and a daily express train between Valsad and Dahod. The Sabarmati–Veraval Vande Bharat Express will enhance connectivity to Veraval, the gateway to the iconic Somnath temple. The semi-high-speed train will run six days a week, excluding Thursdays, providing faster access for religious tourism and regional commuters. Train number 26901 will depart Sabarmati at 5:25 AM and arrive in Veraval at 12:25 PM, with halts at Chandlodia, Viramgam, Rajkot, and Junagadh. In the reverse direction, train number 26902 will leave Veraval at 2:40 PM and return to Sabarmati by 9:35 PM. The second launch, the Valsad–Dahod Express, aims to connect southern and eastern Gujarat more efficiently. With 17 coaches, the train will cover a 346-kilometre route daily.
Train number 19011 will leave Valsad at 5:15 AM, reaching Dahod at 11:05 AM. The return service, train number 19012, will depart Dahod at 11:55 AM and arrive back in Valsad at 8:05 PM. The train will stop at major junctions including Bilimora, Navsari, Surat, Vadodara, and Godhra. Railway officials noted that both trains were introduced to meet rising demand for faster, reliable transport in the region. The Vande Bharat service, in particular, is expected to cut travel time between key cities and attract both pilgrims and business travellers. Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the government’s continued focus on infrastructure development, especially in enhancing intercity connectivity across Gujarat. Indian Railways has been steadily expanding the Vande Bharat network across the country, positioning it as a symbol of technological progress and comfort in public transport. With this addition, Veraval becomes the latest destination to be linked by the flagship service.
Authorities have indicated that more such regional rail links are being evaluated as part of a broader push to improve accessibility to remote and religious destinations. Meanwhile, the daily Valsad–Dahod service is expected to ease passenger traffic on the busy Surat–Vadodara–Godhra corridor. Both trains are now open for passenger bookings, with officials advising early reservations given the expected rush during the upcoming travel season.
