The Prime Minister has officially launched a new Vande Bharat Express train service connecting the holy cities of Katra in Jammu and Kashmir and Amritsar in Punjab. The train, flagged off virtually from Bengaluru, aims to provide a faster and more comfortable travel option for pilgrims and tourists.
The new train will run six days a week, with no service on Tuesdays.
Schedule and Stops
The 26406 Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Amritsar Vande Bharat Express will leave Katra at 6:40 am and arrive in Amritsar at 12:20 pm. On its return trip, the 26405 Amritsar-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express will depart Amritsar at 4:25 pm and reach Katra at 10:00 pm.
The train will make stops at Jammu, Pathankot Cantt, Jalandhar City, and Vyas in both directions.
Benefits and Features
According to railway officials, the new service is expected to significantly boost tourism and economic activity between the two regions. The train offers same-day travel for devotees visiting Mata Vaishno Devi. It features modern interiors, plush seating, high-speed performance, and advanced safety features, aligning with the government’s efforts to modernize Indian Railways.
