Punjab Newsline | Amritsar
Amritsar–Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express is set to resume operations from June 16, bringing major relief to pilgrims and regular travelers after a suspension of nearly seven months. The restoration of the high-speed rail service is expected to improve connectivity between Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir.
The Railway Administration has also announced a new route and revised timetable for the train. Under the updated schedule, the Vande Bharat Express will now pass through Batala and Gurdaspur, enabling passengers from these regions to directly access the premium train service.
The weekly off-day has also been revised. The train will now remain non-operational on Saturdays and will run six days a week.
According to the revised schedule, Train No. 26405 will depart from Amritsar at 4:25 PM and arrive at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 10:00 PM. On the return journey, Train No. 26406 will leave Katra at 6:40 AM and reach Amritsar at around 12:20 PM, with a total travel time of approximately 5 hours and 35 minutes.
The major stoppages on the new route will include Batala, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, and Jammu Tawi, further strengthening rail connectivity between Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir while providing greater convenience for devotees visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine.
