Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Sunday travelled from Katra to Udhampur aboard the Katra—Amritsar Vande Bharat Express, which was virtually flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in the day.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, MP Jugal Kishore, and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo were among those present at the inaugural run ceremony in Katra.
Responding to the introduction of the new train, Dr Jitendra Singh wrote on X; “Thank you PM Sh @narendramodi Ji for gifting fourth #VandeBharat Express to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi #Katra… this one connecting with another holy town of Amritsar….thus making Katra one of the best-connected rail destinations in India. A great boon for pilgrims, tourists, businessmen and regular commuters!”
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for dedicating the Vande Bharat train between Amritsar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Station.
“The new Vande Bharat train will make travel easier for devotees of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and boost the local economy’s growth momentum,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor observed that J&K’s transport infrastructure, particularly in railways, has witnessed unprecedented growth under the Prime Minister’s leadership.
He said the first freight train that reached Anantnag from Punjab on 9 August has marked a significant milestone in the transport infrastructure and trade of the Kashmir Valley.
The Lieutenant Governor posted on X: “Grateful to Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji for flagging off Vande Bharat Train between Amritsar to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Station. J&K’s transport infrastructure, particularly in railways, has witnessed unprecedented growth under the leadership of Hon’ble PM.”
“The new Vande Bharat train will make travel easier for devotees of Mata Vaishno Devi and boost the local economy’s growth momentum. On Friday, the first freight train arrived in Anantnag from Punjab, marking a significant milestone in the Kashmir Valley’s transport infrastructure and trade.”
The 26406 Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Amritsar Vande Bharat Express train will depart from Katra at 06:40 am and reach Amritsar at 12:20 pm the same day. In the return direction, the 26405 Amritsar-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express will depart from Amritsar at 4:25 pm and arrive in Katra at 10 pm. The train will run six days a week, except on Tuesday.
Union Minister of State for Railways, Ravneet Singh Bittu, extended heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for launching a new Vande Bharat Express between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and the holy city of Amritsar.
Calling it a significant milestone for Punjab, the Minister stated that the new high-speed train will not only facilitate spiritual travel for devotees but will also boost tourism and trade between Katra and Amritsar. He emphasised that the modern and comfortable travel experience offered by the Vande Bharat will benefit passengers travelling to and from the region, including those visiting the Valley. Passengers boarding at Pathankot, Jalandhar, and Beas will also benefit from the service.