In a significant development for regional connectivity and religious tourism, the new Vande Bharat Express train service connecting the sacred cities of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Amritsar has been officially launched. The train is set to transform travel between these two vital hubs, offering a faster, more comfortable, and technologically advanced journey for countless pilgrims, tourists, and daily commuters. This development marks a new chapter in the rail infrastructure of Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab, promising a positive ripple effect on the local economies and cultural exchange.
The inauguration of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Amritsar Vande Bharat Express was a multi-location event, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagging off the train from Bengaluru. Simultaneously, celebrations were held at the Katra railway station, attended by prominent figures including Union Minister Jitendra Singh, BJP MP Jugal Kishore, and J&K Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary.
The new service is a testament to the government’s commitment to delivering world-class transport facilities, a point highlighted by Minister Jitendra Singh. He remarked that the Vande Bharat Express is not merely a technological feat but also a representation of the government’s vision for a connected and prosperous India.
Vande Bharat Express: Service Details
- Frequency: The train runs six days a week, with Tuesday designated as the maintenance day.
- Purpose: Same-day travel for pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.
- Train Numbers: 26406 (Katra to Amritsar) and 26405 (Amritsar to Katra).
- Timings from Katra – Amritsar (Train 26406):
- Departure: 6:40 am.
- Arrival at 12:20 pm.
- Timings from Amritsar – Katra (Train 26405):
- Departure: 4:25 pm.
- Arrival: 10:00 pm.
- Journey Details: Distance of 368 km approx. in about 5 hours and 35 minutes.
- Route Halts: The train has crucial stops at Jammu Tawi, Pathankot Cantt, Jalandhar City, and Vyas.
While the focus is on the Amritsar-Katra service, it’s worth noting that Indian Railways has been working on a wider project to connect the Kashmir Valley. A separate and highly significant project has introduced a Vande Bharat Express service between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar. The Katra Srinagar Vande Bharat service, part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, is a monumental step towards providing all-weather connectivity to the Kashmir Valley, which was once heavily reliant on the weather-prone Jammu-Srinagar Highway.
The Vande Bharat trains themselves are the backbone of this modernization drive. Manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, these semi-high-speed trains are equipped with cutting-edge amenities and safety features that aim to provide a travel experience on par with air travel. Passengers on the new routes can expect state-of-the-art facilities, including plush, reclining ergonomic seats, modern interiors, automatic plug doors, and a bio-vacuum toilet system. The trains also feature advanced safety systems like the Kavach anti-collision technology, CCTV cameras for enhanced security, and a dual suspension system that ensures a smooth and comfortable ride even at high speeds.
The economic and social impact of this new train service is expected to be substantial. As stated by BJP MP Jugal Kishore, the new link will significantly boost religious tourism. Amritsar, with its iconic Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh, and Katra, the gateway to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, are two of India’s most significant pilgrimage sites. The new train service facilitates a seamless and fast journey, allowing pilgrims to visit both holy destinations in a single, well-planned trip. This will undoubtedly increase the flow of visitors, directly benefiting local businesses, hotels, and a range of ancillary services.
In conclusion, the launch of the new Vande Bharat Express on the Amritsar-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra route is more than just an addition to the railway network; it is a strategic investment in the region’s future. It complements the already existing Vande Bharat services, including the Vande Bharat linking Srinagar to Katra, to create a robust, modern, and efficient transport corridor.
These new services are set to unlock the immense potential of the region by fostering tourism, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for millions of people. The dedication to this project underscores the government’s vision of a connected, prosperous, and modern India, with the Vande Bharat Express leading the way.
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Vande Bharat Express FAQs
What is the ticket price of Vande Bharat to Katra?
The Amritsar-Katra Vande Bharat Express offers two fare options: ₹1170 for AC Chair Car and ₹2085 for Executive Chair Car. This semi-high-speed Vande Bharat train Katra Srinagar route ensures a premium travel experience with modern amenities and faster connectivity.
What is the time of Vande Bharat from Amritsar?
Train number 26405 Vande Bharat Express departs Amritsar at 4:25 PM and reaches Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 10:00 PM, covering the journey in 5 hours 35 minutes. It runs six days a week, excluding Tuesdays, and is part of the expanding Katra news rail network.
How to reach Vaishno Devi from Amritsar by train?
You can travel directly from Amritsar to Vaishno Devi Katra via the Vande Bharat Express, which offers the fastest and most comfortable option. Alternatively, other trains like SBIB SVDK Express and Malwa Express also connect Amritsar to Katra, making it easy for pilgrims heading to the shrine.
Is Vande Bharat going to Katra?
Yes, the newly launched Vande Bharat Express connects Amritsar to Katra, enhancing religious tourism and regional connectivity. It’s one of the five Vande Bharat Srinagar services operating in Jammu & Kashmir, including the Katra Srinagar Vande Bharat route.
Which train is best for Vaishno Devi?
The Vande Bharat Express is widely considered the best train for Vaishno Devi pilgrims due to its speed, comfort, and modern features. Other top options include Shri Shakti Express and Uttar Sampark Kranti, but the Vande Bharat train Katra Srinagar stands out for its efficiency and premium experience.