Boosting Connections: Special Trains to Vaishno Devi Witness Record Demand

The Northern Railway's Jammu Division is responding to heightened demand with 40 additional train runs between New Delhi and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, officials announced Thursday. The decision, prompted by 100% occupancy rates, extends service from April 15 to July 16, 2023.

Jammu Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal highlighted the service's popularity among pilgrims and tourists. It will benefit travelers to Katra and those catching connecting services to Kashmir, with stops at crucial stations including Panipat, Jammu, and Pathankot.

The special train, comprising 21 coaches, departs New Delhi at 11:45 p.m. and arrives at Vaishno Devi by noon the next day. The returning journey starts at 9 p.m., reaching New Delhi by 10 a.m., thereby enhancing ticket availability significantly.