New Delhi/Katra, August 10, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagged off the Amritsar-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in Jammu and Kashmir’s railway infrastructure and pilgrimage accessibility. The high-speed train, launched from Bengaluru’s KSR Railway Station alongside two other Vande Bharat routes, promises to enhance travel convenience for devotees visiting the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine and stimulate economic growth in the region.J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed heartfelt gratitude to PM Modi for dedicating the Vande Bharat Train service, stating, “The new Vande Bharat Train will ensure ease of travel for devotees of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and spur the growth momentum of the local economy.” He highlighted the unprecedented growth in J&K’s transport infrastructure, particularly railways, under PM Modi’s leadership. Sinha also noted the historic arrival of the first freight train from Punjab to Anantnag on August 9, 2025, carrying cement for infrastructure development, as a game-changer for the Kashmir Valley’s trade, especially its horticulture sector, which thrives on apple production.
The Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 26406) departs from Katra at 6:40 a.m., arriving in Amritsar at 12:20 p.m., with stops at Jammu Tawi, Pathankot Cantt, Jalandhar City, and Beas. The return journey (Train No. 26405) leaves Amritsar at 4:25 p.m., reaching Katra by 10:00 p.m. Operating six days a week (except Tuesdays), the train reduces travel time to approximately 4.5 hours, compared to the previous 5-7 hours by mail and express trains. Fares are estimated at Rs 1,000–1,100, offering a faster, more comfortable travel experience.
This railway expansion aligns with the vision of a “New Kashmir,” as articulated by LG Sinha, where startups replace street violence, academic calendars mirror those of the rest of India, and nightlife thrives along the Jhelum. The freight train’s operation is set to alleviate the challenges of the Jammu-Srinagar highway, prone to landslides and delays, ensuring reliable transport for perishable goods like fruits and vegetables, thus boosting the local economy.Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh described the launch as a historic moment, crediting PM Modi for transforming J&K’s connectivity. With plans to extend Vande Bharat services from Jammu railway station by year-end, the region is poised for further integration with India’s economic and spiritual landscape.
