The Amritsar-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express is set to commence its journey on a revised and faster route via Batala and Gurdaspur starting Tuesday. This strategic rerouting aims to significantly reduce travel time and distance, enhancing connectivity between two major pilgrimage destinations and benefiting travellers from across India.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu is scheduled to flag off the express train from Amritsar railway station at 4:15 pm on Tuesday. The new alignment through Batala and Gurdaspur will shorten the total distance by 84 kilometres and is expected to cut the travel duration by approximately 40 minutes.
The Vande Bharat Express will now cover the 283-kilometre journey between Amritsar and Katra in roughly five hours. This development marks a significant upgrade for the towns of Batala and Gurdaspur, which will experience Vande Bharat connectivity for the first time, according to Congress media coordinator Pankaj Khanna. He described the rerouting as significant news for the residents of these areas.
The train service, designated as 26405/26406, links two prominent spiritual centres: Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra. Operating six days a week, with the exception of Saturdays, the train is equipped with AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car coaches, ensuring passenger comfort.
The revised timings are particularly beneficial for pilgrims, enabling same-day return journeys from both Amritsar and Katra. This improved transit schedule facilitates easier travel plans for devotees who wish to visit both the Golden Temple and the revered Vaishno Devi shrine within a single day, streamlining their pilgrimage and travel itineraries.
The Vande Bharat Express, known for its modern amenities and high-speed capabilities, plays a crucial role in connecting major cities and religious sites across India. The introduction of this faster route is anticipated to boost tourism and religious travel, making the journey more convenient and accessible for a larger number of people.
This enhancement in rail infrastructure aligns with broader efforts to improve connectivity and reduce travel times for passengers undertaking important journeys. The rerouting of the Amritsar-Katra Vande Bharat Express is expected to be well-received by the public, particularly by those who frequently travel between Punjab and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for religious or personal reasons. The improved efficiency of the service underscores the Indian Railways’ commitment to modernising its network and enhancing passenger experience.
The Chenab Times News Desk