In a major boost to religious tourism and regional connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sabarmati–Veraval Vande Bharat Express recently. This new semi-high-speed train is now the fastest rail link between Ahmedabad and the iconic Somnath Temple in Veraval, promising a faster, more comfortable travel experience for pilgrims and tourists alike.

Designated Train No. 20911/20912, the Sabarmati–Veraval Vande Bharat Express, will run six days a week, with the exception of Thursdays. It will travel 438 miles in around 7 hours. The train will leave Sabarmati at 5:25 AM and arrive at Veraval at 12:25 PM. Then, on the same day, the train will make a return trip and leave Veraval at 2:40 PM to reach Sabarmati around 9:35 PM. With five major stops—Viramgam, Wankaner, Rajkot, Surendranagar, and Junagadh—the train will make it easier to get to a number of significant cities and places of worship, including the Girnar hills.

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Both the AC Chair Car and the Executive Chair Car are available on the train; both are equipped with contemporary conveniences for a more comfortable journey. Automated doors, GPS-based passenger information systems, and cosy seating are examples of onboard amenities. It combines speed, efficiency, and safety to create the next generation of Indian Railways passenger services.


During the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Modi also flagged off India’s first 9,000-horsepower D-90 electric locomotive manufactured at the Dahod plant. This new locomotive, part of the Make in India initiative, further signals India’s push toward self-reliance in railway manufacturing. Moreover, with the electrification of the Sabarmati–Botad rail section, Gujarat has officially achieved 100% railway electrification—an impressive milestone for the state.

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The opening of the Vande Bharat Express to Veraval is anticipated to have a major positive impact on Gujarat's religious tourism industry, particularly for the Somnath Temple, a highly esteemed spiritual location and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Easy travel, shorter trip times, and improved onboard amenities will probably draw more pilgrims and leisure tourists as a result of this improvement, which will strengthen the local economy.

By combining technological advancement with cultural connectivity, the Sabarmati–Veraval Vande Bharat Express is a symbol of progress. This enhanced mode of mobility will help make the spiritual journey to Somnath faster, smoother, and more accessible than ever before.