The steam train will connect Ahmedabad and Ekta Nagar railway stations which connects to the Statue of Unity
On October 31, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the special heritage train in Gujarat, marking the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhai Patel. The train is accessible for common public transport from November 5.
About the Ekta Nagar to Ahmedabad Steam Train
This steam train that runs between Ekta Nagar to Ahmedabad connects to the Statue of Unity, which has slowly become a popular tourist attraction in Gujarat. Therefore, the steam train helps tourists from across the globe to reach the place easily. It is a steam locomotive train, which is said to be a replica of the indigenously built steam Loco No. F734. Several luxurious amenities and interior works have been done to make for a comfortable ride.
Gujarat Steam Heritage Special Train: Key Features and Train Coach
Besides the nostalgia factor associated with the steam train, several factors in the train make it special. It has four Vistadome-type coaches which are fully air-conditioned. This includes executive chair car coaches and a dining car restaurant. There are luggage rack arrangements, a flameless pantry and fibre-reinforced plastic toilet facilities. These are built luxuriously, with quality teak woods used to make dining tables and two-seater sofas at the dining coach. The dining car has a seating capacity of 28 passengers and there are automatic sliding doors.
Timing and Fare of Steam Heritage Special Train: Ekta Nagar to Ahmedabad
Every Sunday, at 6:10 AM, the train (No. 09409) will depart from Ahmedabad and reach Ekta Nagar at 9:50 AM on the same day. Likewise, another special train (No. 09410) will depart from Ekta Nagar at 8:35 PM and will reach Ahmedabad at 12:05 AM, the next day.
Ticket Price for Ekta Nagar to Ahmedabad Steam Heritage Special Train
The non-stop train journey costs ₹885 as a one-way fare, exclusive of food. You can buy the food from the pantry. You have to pay the same amount to book your return ticket as well. You can book the tickets at the official website of IRCTC and the passenger reservation system (PRS).
Stay Options at Ekta Nagar (Kevadia)
Once you reach Ekta Nagar, there are plenty of stay options available at Tent City Narmada Kevadia for you. There are three Statue of unity stay options tents at Tent City Narmada which are Deluxe, Premium and Standard. You also get car rental services and tour guides, if you need one. If you want to stay in a hotel instead of a tent, you can also choose among many hotel options like Ramada Encore By Wyndham, The Fern Sardar Sarovar Resort, Hotel Sai Inn, etc.
The prices vary based on the room types. For example, Deluxe AC tents start from ₹6,500, while Premium AC tents begin at ₹9,000. You also get Darbar AC tents which is a luxurious stay in a place spread across 60 sq. MT, which starts from ₹55,000. These are all rates for double occupancy, and the pay may vary based on your breakfast and lunch inclusions or exclusions.
Conclusion:
You can travel to Ahmedabad from your hometown and board the special steam heritage train to reach Ekta Nagar railway station (which was earlier known as Kevadiya railway station). The Statue of Unity is only a 10-15 minute drive from the railway station, and you have several stay options in and around the place. Besides the Statue of Unity, there are plenty of other places you can visit at Ekta Nagar before boarding your train back. The heritage train makes your journey as special and memorable as your experience at the destination.
