The Ahmedabad-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express is a semi-high-speed train connecting two of India’s most significant commercial cities—Ahmedabad and Mumbai. Officially inaugurated in 2022, it marked a leap in Indian Railways’ commitment to modernize travel between major cities.
lets see Ahmedabad-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express, schedule, ticket prices, route, travel experience, and booking process.
Overview of Vande Bharat Express
The Vande Bharat Express, also known as Train 18, is a flagship project by Indian Railways aimed at reducing travel time, enhancing comfort, and providing a premium rail travel experience. Unlike conventional trains, the Vande Bharat Express is a semi-high-speed train that can reach a maximum speed of 160 km/h. Known for its indigenous design, advanced safety features, and emphasis on comfort, the Vande Bharat Express has become a preferred choice for travelers who seek speed, efficiency, and a premium experience.
Ahmedabad-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express: Key Details
The Ahmedabad-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express operates under train numbers 20901/20902. Here’s a breakdown of essential details about this train service:
Frequency: The train runs six days a week, excluding Sunday.
Departure and Arrival:
From Mumbai Central to Ahmedabad Junction: Train No. 20901 departs from Mumbai Central at 6:10 AM and arrives in Ahmedabad by 12:30 PM.
From Ahmedabad Junction to Mumbai Central: Train No. 20902 departs from Ahmedabad Junction at 3:10 PM and reaches Mumbai Central at 9:30 PM.
Travel Time: Approximately 6 hours and 20 minutes, significantly reducing travel time compared to other trains on the route.
Route and Stops
The train covers a distance of approximately 492 kilometers between Ahmedabad and Mumbai. It follows a route that ensures minimal stops, providing a swift journey between the cities. The major stops include:
Mumbai Central (MMCT)
Borivali (BVI)
Vapi (VAPI)
Surat (ST)
Bharuch (BH)
Vadodara (BRC)
Ahmedabad (ADI)
The limited number of stops makes it an ideal choice for those looking to travel efficiently between these two major cities.
Ticket Classes and Pricing
The Ahmedabad-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express offers two main classes of seating:
Chair Car (CC): This class provides comfortable, reclining seats, ample legroom, and standard facilities for travelers. Ticket prices vary depending on demand and specific seasons, generally costing around ₹1,100–₹1,400 per person.
Executive Chair Car (EC): This premium class offers more luxurious seating, additional amenities, and more spacious seating arrangements. Executive Chair Car tickets typically range between ₹2,300–₹2,700 per person.
Facilities and Features
The Vande Bharat Express is designed to offer a world-class experience in line with global standards of high-speed rail travel. Some of its notable features include:
Modern Interiors: The train has plush, ergonomically designed seats that recline comfortably, making it an ideal option for long journeys.
Pantry and Catering: The onboard catering service provides high-quality meals, snacks, and beverages, catering to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences. Meals are usually included in the ticket price.
Wi-Fi and Infotainment: Passengers can enjoy onboard Wi-Fi and an infotainment system that offers music, movies, news, and other entertainment options.
Large Windows and Scenic Views: With large windows, the train offers passengers scenic views, particularly on sections of the route passing through the Western Ghats.
Environment-Friendly Toilets: The train features bio-vacuum toilets that are eco-friendly, hygienic, and easy to maintain.
Ample Luggage Space: Luggage racks are provided, and under-seat storage ensures that passengers can keep their belongings safely without cluttering the space.
Safety Features
Safety remains a top priority for Indian Railways, and the Vande Bharat Express incorporates several advanced safety features:
Kavach Technology: The train is equipped with the Kavach system, an indigenously developed anti-collision technology that ensures safe braking and speed control.
GPS-Based Passenger Information System: This feature keeps passengers informed about the train’s location, speed, and next station updates.
Emergency Talk-Back Facility: An emergency communication system allows passengers to directly contact train staff in case of an emergency.
Fireproof Coaches: The train uses fire-resistant materials and advanced safety protocols to enhance passenger safety.
Travel Experience
Traveling on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express is a unique experience that combines speed with luxury. Passengers enjoy a quiet and smooth journey, with a minimal vibration environment and silent operations. The well-planned meal services are tailored to suit the train’s timings, providing breakfast and tea for morning travelers and dinner for evening travelers.
Booking Process
Booking tickets for the Ahmedabad-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express is convenient and can be done online or at railway reservation counters. Here’s how to book tickets online:
Visit the IRCTC Website or App: Go to irctc.co.in or use the IRCTC app.
Search for Train: Enter the details for the route (Mumbai to Ahmedabad or vice versa) and select the Vande Bharat Express (20901 or 20902).
Select Travel Class: Choose between the Chair Car (CC) or Executive Chair Car (EC) options.
Payment: Complete the payment using any preferred method.
Confirmation: Once the payment is complete, a ticket confirmation will be sent to your registered email or phone.
Comparisons with Other Travel Modes
The Ahmedabad-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express is ideal for passengers who prioritize speed, comfort, and a premium travel experience. Here’s how it compares with other travel modes:
Flights: While flights between Mumbai and Ahmedabad take about 1 hour, considering the airport commute and check-in time, the total journey time becomes similar. Vande Bharat is often more economical, especially for last-minute travel.
Road Travel: Traveling by car or bus takes approximately 8–9 hours, and the cost can vary. The train offers a faster and more comfortable alternative.
Other Trains: The Vande Bharat Express is quicker than most express and superfast trains on this route, making it the most efficient choice for rail travel.
Future Plans
The success of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express has encouraged Indian Railways to consider expanding the Vande Bharat network. More Vande Bharat routes are planned to enhance connectivity between major cities, potentially making these premium trains a staple on major rail routes in India.
The Ahmedabad-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express has transformed rail travel between two of India’s largest cities by offering speed, comfort, and a world-class travel experience. With its efficient design, safety features, and amenities, it has set a new benchmark in Indian rail travel. For both business travelers and tourists, the Vande Bharat Express provides a premium and efficient way to travel between Ahmedabad and Mumbai, promising a comfortable journey with minimal travel time.
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