Surat, Gujarat: Surat Railway passengers have received two important updates. The Vadodara Railway Division has initiated development work to upgrade Utran Railway Station in Surat as a satellite station, leading to temporary changes in train operations.
The railway work is expected to affect MEMU services operating on the Bharuch–Surat route for 14 days. In addition, more than 55 trains are scheduled to run behind their usual timings, with delays ranging from approximately 10 minutes to 90 minutes.
Meanwhile, Indian Railways is introducing a new Surat–Udaipur Vande Bharat Express, establishing a direct rail connection between South Gujarat and Rajasthan. Bookings opened on October 1, 2026, through railway reservation counters and the IRCTC website.
Utran Surat Railway Station Development: MEMU Train Services Affected for 14 Days
The Vadodara Railway Division has started infrastructure development work at Utran Railway Station, with the objective of developing it as a satellite railway station.
The project is part of railway infrastructure improvements intended to strengthen passenger facilities and operational arrangements in the Surat region.
Due to the ongoing work, MEMU train services operating between Bharuch and Surat will remain cancelled for 14 days, according to the supplied railway update. Passengers who regularly depend on MEMU services for daily commuting, work, education and intercity travel may need to make alternative arrangements during this period.
More Than 55 Trains to Face Delays
Apart from the cancellation of the affected MEMU service, the railway work is expected to impact the schedules of more than 55 trains. The reported delay duration ranges from 10 minutes to approximately one hour and 30 minutes.
The following trains are among those mentioned in the schedule update:
| Train | Reported delay |
|---|---|
| Ahmedabad Express (MGR Chennai Central–Ahmedabad) | 40 minutes |
| Bandra–Jaipur Express | 30 minutes |
| Khadki–Indore Express | 20 minutes |
| Saurashtra Express (Dadar–Porbandar) | 15 minutes |
| Swaraj Special (Bandra–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra) | 10 minutes |
Passengers should verify the latest running status before leaving for the railway station, as operational schedules may change.
New Surat–Udaipur Vande Bharat Express: Regular Service from October 3 and 4
In another major railway development, a new Vande Bharat Express is being introduced between Surat and Udaipur City.
The service will improve direct rail connectivity between Gujarat and Rajasthan, covering important commercial centres, cities and regional destinations along the route. The train will operate six days a week, except Tuesday.
Surat–Udaipur Vande Bharat Train Timings
| Details | Surat to Udaipur | Udaipur to Surat |
|---|---|---|
| Train number | 26903 | 26904 |
| Departure | 6:10 AM | 3:35 PM |
| Arrival | 1:40 PM | 11:00 PM |
| Regular service begins | October 4, 2026 | October 3, 2026 |
| Operating days | Six days a week | Six days a week |
| Weekly off | Tuesday | Tuesday |
The journey between Surat and Udaipur will take approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes. The service will allow passengers to travel from Surat to Udaipur during the morning and afternoon, while the return service will reach Surat late at night.
Surat–Udaipur Vande Bharat Route and Stoppages
The new Vande Bharat Express will stop at nine intermediate stations.
The scheduled stoppages are:
- Bharuch
- Vadodara
- Anand
- Maninagar
- Asarva
- Himmatnagar
- Shamlaji Road
- Dungarpur
- Zawar
The route will provide connectivity to passengers from South Gujarat, Central Gujarat, Ahmedabad, North Gujarat and parts of Rajasthan.
Vande Bharat Ticket Booking: How to Reserve Seats
Bookings for the regular Surat–Udaipur Vande Bharat Express opened on October 1, 2026.
Passengers can reserve tickets through:
- Official IRCTC website: https://www.irctc.co.in/
- Passenger Reservation System (PRS) railway counters
The train will feature AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car accommodation. Passengers are advised to check ticket availability, applicable fares and the latest train schedule before planning their journey.
How Will These Railway Changes Affect Surat Passengers?
The two railway developments have different implications for passengers. The Utran station development work may temporarily inconvenience daily commuters travelling between Bharuch and Surat, particularly those relying on MEMU services.
At the same time, the new Vande Bharat service will add a direct premium train connection between Surat and Udaipur, offering another travel option for passengers heading towards Rajasthan. For passengers travelling during the 14-day infrastructure work period, checking train status in advance will be particularly important.
Important Railway Advisory for Passengers
Passengers travelling from Surat, Utran, Bharuch and other South Gujarat stations should:
- Check train cancellation and rescheduling announcements.
- Verify live train running status before departure.
- Allow additional travel time if their train is affected.
- Confirm the latest platform and departure information.
- Check Vande Bharat seat availability through official railway booking channels.
The Utran satellite station project and the launch of the Surat–Udaipur Vande Bharat Express mark two significant developments in the region’s railway network, combining infrastructure upgrades with new passenger connectivity.
Source: Railway schedule information shared for the Utran development work and Western Railway’s reported Surat–Udaipur Vande Bharat timetable.
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