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Western Railway (WR) will reroute the Sabarmati–Veraval Vande Bharat Express starting Monday, August 17, 2026. The train completes its last run on the old Rajkot path on Sunday, August 16. The updated alignment reduces total travel time to six hours and fifty minutes. This change brings high-speed rail access to key central Saurashtra districts.
Travellers planning long-weekend returns must review their booked itineraries immediately. The revised route bypasses Viramgam, Surendranagar, Wankaner, and Rajkot entirely. Instead, the service serves Gandhigram, Dholka, Dhandhuka, Botad, Dhola, Dhasa, Chital, and Junagadh. Somnath pilgrims gain seamless daily travel options without switching regional trains. Local trade between Dholka and Ahmedabad will also expand significantly.
Revised Schedule for Sabarmati–Veraval Vande Bharat
Train 26901 departs Sabarmati at 06:00 AM and reaches Veraval at 12:50 PM. On the return trip, Train 26902 leaves Veraval at 03:50 PM and arrives at 10:25 PM. Operations continue on all days except Thursdays. Passengers should verify departure platforms online prior to reaching stations.
| Station Corridor | Route Status | Commuter Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Botad & Dholka | New Halts | Direct connectivity for regional traders. |
| Rajkot & Wankaner | Bypassed | Commuters must choose alternate express trains. |
| Veraval & Somnath | Retained | Pilgrims maintain fast access to coastal shrines. |
Commuter Impact of Sabarmati–Veraval Vande Bharat Rerouting
Commuters heading to Rajkot must transition to existing intercity services. Meanwhile, residents in Botad, Dhandhuka, and Amreli gain direct access to executive rail transit. Passengers with existing Passenger Name Record (PNR) bookings can request full ticket refunds. This policy applies if their booked station was removed from the route. Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) processes cancellations under standard guidelines.
To ensure smooth travel, users must check real-time status via National Train Enquiry System (NTES). Boarding stations have shifted from Sabarmati main lines to local platforms for specific departures. This alignment optimizes connectivity between Saurashtra and central Gujarat. Passengers should verify coach positions before arriving at their designated stations. Travel experts advise passengers to monitor live announcements during initial operations.