Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagged off the Amritsar–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express train, aimed at enhancing connectivity for pilgrims and tourists. The train, operating six days a week (except Tuesday), reduces travel time to approximately 4.5 hours from the previous 5-7 hours.
Schedule and Route:
- Train No. 26406 (Katra to Amritsar): Departs Katra at 6:40 AM, arrives Amritsar at 12:20 PM, with stops at Jammu Tawi, Pathankot Cantt, Jalandhar City, and Beas.
- Train No. 26405 (Amritsar to Katra): Departs Amritsar at 4:25 PM, arrives Katra at 10:00 PM, with the same stops.
- Fare: AC Chair Car ranges from ₹1,000–₹1,170; Executive AC Chair Car is ₹2,085.
This is the fifth Vande Bharat train in Jammu and Kashmir, connecting key religious sites like Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and the Golden Temple. It’s expected to boost tourism and local businesses. Union Minister Jitendra Singh and J&K Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha highlighted its significance for regional connectivity and economic growth