Gujarat’s greatest city and land more or less tied for Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi the Father of the Nation. Ahmedabad bears as witness to innumerable cultural and socio-economic changes during the Indian Independence Movement. It is indeed a bright star not only among cities in Gujarat but all other cities of India.
One of the largest cultural and financial hubs across the country, it even has Ahmedabad Junction or ADI which happens to be one of the busiest railway stations in the western part of India, connecting it to several destinations across the length and breadth of the country.
So, how does one know how to reach Ahmedabad and travel within the hectic cosmopolis? This article brings you in detail about ‘how to reach Ahmedabad’ with regard to the connecting point of the nearest railway stations that link some eminent places quite distanced from Ahmedabad Junction or ADI.
How to Reach Ahmedabad
By Air
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is about 9 km from Ahmedabad Junction Railway Station and primarily caters to the travel needs of people who come to the city from all over the world. The airport accommodates domestic and international traffic with airlines connecting Ahmedabad with keys domestic destinations such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and internationally with cities like Dubai, London, and Singapore. To make getting around in the city easy, there are taxi and auto-rickshaw services along with app-based cab services such as Olas and Ubers.
By Bus
Although the road networks in and around Ahmedabad are well developed, the bus services conducted by GSRTC and various private luxury buses connect the two cities well. The main bus terminal is the Gita Mandir Bus Station, about 3 km from Ahmedabad Junction. Hence, road travel is one of the convenient options, with buses from Mumbai, Pune, Udaipur, Jaipur, Surat, Rajkot, and Vadodara.
By Train
Constructed over the railway system of Ahmedabad and India, Ahmedabad Junction (ADI) is the intermediate region medically connecting the population with transport networks in different parts of the country like Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Vadodara, Rajkot, Jaipur, Chennai, Bhuj & Chandigarh etc. This station falls under the Western Railway Zone and facilitates the operability of long-distance and express trains running like the Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express, Duronto Express, and several Superfast and Mail/Express trains. Train schedules and ticket bookings can be obtained through IRCTC for railway ticket counters.
Nearest Railway Stations in Ahmedabad
Apart from Ahmedabad Junction (ADI), there are several other railway stations in and around the city that facilitate travel:
Kalupur Station
Kalupur station also called Ahmedabad Junction (ADI) station, turned out to be the main railway station of Ahmedabad. It has a direct train connection with the most vital cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Jaipur, Kolkata, Pune, and Hyderabad. The station was provided with a number of good facilities such as waiting rooms, food stalls, prepaid taxis, cloakrooms, and ATMs, making their stay comfortable.
Viramgam Junction
Viramgam Junction (VG) lies 65 km away from Ahmedabad. It is a major junction for trains that run toward Rajkot, Bhuj, and Kutch. Besides, Viramgam is linked by rail to Western Gujarat, Mumbai, and Rajasthan, with many trains stopping at the junction.
Sabarmati Station
Sabarmati BG (SBIB) is another railway station of Ahmedabad which is just 6 km nearer from Ahmedabad Junction. Although it serves passenger and express trains, it does have its proximity to attractions such as the Sabarmati Riverfront and Sabarmati Ashram.
Maninagar Station
Maninagar (MAN) is a suburban railway station situated 4 km from the Ahmedabad Junction. This station is mainly used by local and some selected express trains. Because of the location near several tourist sites, such as Kankaria Lake and Swaminarayan Mandir, it also forms an important stoppage for both tourists and daily commuters.
Chandlodiya Station
Chandlodiya (CLDY) is a satellite railway station located at a distance of 12 kilometers from the Ahmedabad Junction. The station enables connectivity to the western side of Ahmedabad that is being developed and integrated with the emerging suburban and industrial areas in this region.
Best Places to Visit Near Ahmedabad Junction (ADI) Railway Station
Travelers arriving at Ahmedabad Junction have easy access to some of the city’s most famous attractions. Here are the must-visit places near Ahmedabad Jn (ADI):
- Sabarmati River: Perfectly developed along the Sabarmati River, the Sabarmati Riverfront is 4 km away from Ahmedabad Junction. It provides an ambiance for boating, cycling, and evening walk sessions. Auto-rickshaws and cabs easily reach the riverfront, making it a worthy visit for travelers wishing to enjoy the placid environment of Ahmedabad.
- Kankaria Lake: Located about 5 km from Ahmedabad Junction, remains another historic lake promenade packed to go with entertainment options. Boating is an option; so are toy trains and the thrill of water rides! Kankaria Zoo, Kids City, and Balvatika give families yet another reason to come here, which magically turns this place into a joint tourist hub. Buses, autos, and cabs continuously move in and out of this well-known spot that attracts visitors from the railway station.
- The Swaminarayan Mandir (Kalupur Swaminarayan Temple): One of the oldest and holiest temples in Ahmedabad, is located at a distance of just 2 kilometers from Ahmedabad Junction. Many devotees flock to this temple to present themselves in front of the God. The temple is an architectural marvel in its own right yet radiates spirituality, attracting devotees from all walks of life and enthusiasts of architecture alike. Moreover, the fact that it is located at a stone’s throw from the railway station adds convenience for tourists wishing to explore it.
- The Sabarmati Ashram: Located 6 km from the Ahmedabad Junction railway station, was once the home of Mahatma Gandhi and is a historical site. Herein lies a great insight into his life, the teachings imparted, and his contributions to India’s freedom struggle. The peaceful island is easily accessible by auto rickshaws or taxis, which makes a visit to this haven-in-waiting for several history buffs and seekers of inspiration from the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.
Retiring rooms in the Ahmedabad Junction railway station are open mainly to passengers with valid train passes and looking to take rest or overnight stay in the station. Ahmedabad Junction (ADI) depicts the gateway to Gujarat as it’s really connected to every corner of this state whether road, air transport, or railways. The city well accommodates more than a handful of railway stations which help in reaching Ahmedabad.
Truly, a business traveler, a tourist, or a pilgrim might find just anything in this great city. Some of the finest historical attractions of Ahmedabad, such as the Sabarmati Ashram, Kankaria Lake, or the Sabarmati Riverfront close to the station prove to be interesting and make Ahmedabad one among the landmarks of history. So plan well and get out there visiting the beautiful city.