Vande Bharat Express Heading to Jammu and Kashmir: Explore the Features of Amritsar-Katra Train - Discover Routes, Fare, Schedule, and Halts
New Vande Bharat Express Train Connects Amritsar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra
The Indian Railways has expanded its Vande Bharat network with the launch of a new train service connecting Amritsar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. The train, operated by the Northern Railway zone, was virtually flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 10, 2025.
The train will run six days a week, with the exception of Tuesdays, and will halt at four intermediate stations: Beas, Jalandhar City, Pathankot Cantt, and Jammu Tawi. For the return journey, train number 26403 (Amritsar-Katra) will leave Amritsar at 16:25 hrs and reach Katra at 22:00 hrs, while train number 26406 (Katra-Amritsar) will depart Katra at 06:40 hrs and arrive in Amritsar at 12:20 hrs.
The new service caters especially to pilgrims visiting the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, offering a faster and more comfortable travel option compared to existing services. The train will complete the journey in approximately 5 hours and 35 minutes, traveling via Jammu, Pathankot Cantt, Jalandhar City, and other stations.
The train consists of eight coaches, offering two types of seating arrangements: AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car. The AC Chair Car fare is Rs 1,170, while the Executive Chair Car fare is Rs 2,085. It is important to note that this service will not be a sleeper train.
The Vande Bharat Express trains are equipped with advanced features such as the Kavach automatic train protection system, rapid acceleration, automatic plug doors, CCTVs, and ergonomic reclining seats. These modern features aim to enhance regional connectivity and passenger comfort.
This new train service is part of an expanding network of Vande Bharat Express trains aimed at improving regional connectivity and passenger comfort with modern features. The Vande Bharat Express train connecting Srinagar and Katra will also benefit tourists exploring Punjab and Jammu.
The Ministry of Railways is yet to announce the launch date for India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train. A foreign traveler was recently impressed by the "spinning chairs" in the Mumbai-Goa Vande Bharat train, highlighting the innovative features of these trains.
It is important to clarify that the new Vande Bharat Express train connecting Amritsar, Punjab, and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is not related to the Thameslink train service.
[1] Indian Railways [2] Times of India [3] Hindustan Times [4] Business Standard [5] The Hindu
- The Indian Railways, in its endeavor to enhance regional connectivity, is also exploring opportunities in the domain ofdefi finance, aiming to revolutionize the ticketing system for trains like the Vande Bharat Express.
- Amidst the excitement surrounding the launch of the new Vande Bharat Express train, major sports newspapers such as Times of India and Hindustan Times are anticipating the potential impact this fast travel option could have on football teams, enabling quicker travel to matches across the country.
