Amritsar: In a major boost to religious tourism, Amritsar will now have a faster rail connection with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra as the route of the Vande Bharat Express has been revised to reduce travel distance and journey time.
Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu is scheduled to flag off the modified Amritsar–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express from Amritsar Railway Station on Tuesday at 4:15 pm.
Under the revised route, the train will now operate via Batala and Gurdaspur before reaching Katra. The change has reduced the overall distance between Amritsar and Katra by 84 kilometres, resulting in a reduction of approximately 40 minutes in travel time.
The high-speed train will now cover the 283-kilometre journey in around five hours, providing a faster and more convenient option for pilgrims and tourists visiting two of northern India’s most prominent religious destinations.
The revised connectivity is expected to benefit thousands of travellers who often combine visits to Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra during a single trip.
Congress media coordinator Pankaj Khanna welcomed the move, saying the revised route would also benefit residents of Batala and Gurdaspur by connecting the historic towns with a modern Vande Bharat service for the first time.
Operating as Train Nos. 26405 and 26406, the Vande Bharat Express will run six days a week, except Saturdays. The train will offer AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car coaches to enhance passenger comfort and travel experience.
