Amritsar: The much-awaited Amritsar–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express is finally set to begin operations, offering passengers a quicker and more comfortable travel option between Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir. After a delay of nearly three months from its original announcement, the Railway authorities have released the revised timetable, confirming that the inaugural journey from Amritsar will commence on June 16.
One of the major highlights of the revised plan is the change in the train’s route. Instead of operating through Pathankot Cantt, the semi-high-speed service will now pass through Batala, Chheena, Gurdaspur and Pathankot City before reaching Jammu and Katra. The modification is expected to benefit thousands of passengers living in Punjab’s border districts by giving them direct access to premium rail travel.
The eight-coach Vande Bharat Express will operate six days a week and will remain off the tracks every Saturday to facilitate routine maintenance. According to the announced schedule, the train departing from Katra will leave early in the morning and arrive in Amritsar around midday, while the return service from Amritsar will begin in the evening and reach the holy town of Katra the same night.
The introduction of this route is expected to significantly improve travel for pilgrims heading to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. Devotees visiting Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar will now have the convenience of continuing their spiritual journey to Katra through a modern, air-conditioned train equipped with advanced passenger amenities.
The revised alignment also marks a major boost for cities such as Gurdaspur, Batala and Pathankot, whose residents previously had to travel to distant stations to board premium trains. Railway officials believe the direct connectivity will encourage tourism, improve business movement and strengthen educational and cultural exchanges between Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir.
Senior railway officials have described the project as another step towards expanding high-speed rail services to strategically important border regions while enhancing passenger comfort and regional development.
Passengers intending to travel on the new service have been advised to check the updated timetable before booking tickets and use official railway platforms for reservation and real-time train information.
