Railway Board has given the green light for a new Vande Bharat Express train connecting Udaipur in Rajasthan with Asarwa (Ahmedabad) in Gujarat. This semi-high-speed service will be operated and maintained by the North Western Railway zone, aiming to improve travel options between the two states and support better regional connectivity.
The new train is expected to run six days a week, with no service on Tuesdays. It comes as part of ongoing efforts to optimise passenger services based on demand and route efficiency. Officials say the introduction of this route will offer faster and more comfortable travel for people moving between Rajasthan and Gujarat.
At the same time, Indian Railways has decided to discontinue two existing Vande Bharat services starting this week. Train No. 20979/80 (Udaipur City–Jaipur–Udaipur City) will stop running from February 14, 2026. Train No. 20981/82 (Udaipur City–Agra Cantt–Udaipur City) will be withdrawn from February 15, 2026.
This route rationalisation follows the approval of the new Udaipur–Ahmedabad link. Reports suggest the changes help redeploy resources more effectively, especially where passenger numbers on the discontinued routes were lower than expected. The move is seen as a practical step to keep the growing Vande Bharat fleet focused on high-demand corridors.
The Vande Bharat Express fleet has expanded quickly in recent years, offering air-conditioned, chair-car travel with modern amenities like onboard catering, Wi-Fi, and better seating. These trains are popular for shorter inter-city journeys, cutting travel time compared to regular expresses.
The new Udaipur–Ahmedabad service is likely to benefit tourists, business travellers, and families looking for quicker connections between these key cities. It also supports economic ties between Rajasthan and Gujarat by making day trips easier.
Passengers affected by the discontinued trains are advised to check alternative options on the IRCTC website or app. No immediate replacement trains have been announced for the Udaipur–Jaipur and Udaipur–Agra routes, but regular express services continue to operate on those corridors.
Indian Railways continues to add new Vande Bharat trains while reviewing routes to ensure the best use of coaches and staff. The latest decision reflects a balance between expansion and operational efficiency.
