Amritsar (Gurpreet Singh): A new travel corridor connecting Punjab and the holy town of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra is set to become operational with the launch of the Amritsar–Katra Vande Bharat Express on June 16. The premium train service is expected to make religious tourism faster while improving connectivity for several districts located along the India-Pakistan border.
The revised operational plan issued by the Railways introduces a new route through Batala, Chheena, Gurdaspur and Pathankot City before entering Jammu and Kashmir. The change has been welcomed by residents of these regions, who will now have direct access to one of the country’s fastest train services without travelling to larger junctions.
Designed with eight modern coaches and advanced passenger amenities, the Vande Bharat Express will operate six days every week. The service will remain suspended on Saturdays to facilitate maintenance and operational checks.
As per the schedule, the train leaving Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra will reach Amritsar around noon after an early morning departure, while the return journey will begin in the evening and conclude at Katra later the same night.
The introduction of the train is expected to benefit thousands of devotees visiting the Golden Temple in Amritsar, allowing them to continue their pilgrimage to the Vaishno Devi shrine through a seamless and comfortable rail journey. The service is also likely to boost tourism in both Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir by reducing travel time and offering improved convenience.
Railway officials believe the expanded route will stimulate local economies in Gurdaspur, Batala and Pathankot by encouraging greater passenger movement, trade and tourism. Better connectivity is also expected to support educational and business travel between the two regions.
Passengers have been advised to verify the revised timetable before planning their journeys and complete reservations through authorised railway booking platforms. With its launch, the Amritsar–Katra Vande Bharat Express is expected to become an important addition to the growing network of semi-high-speed trains connecting key religious and economic destinations across northern India.
