The Amritsar-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express has started operating on a revised route. Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu flagged off the train from Amritsar station on June 16, 2026. The train now runs via Batala and Gurdaspur instead of the previous Jalandhar Cantt route.
What are the new route and stoppages?
The Railway Board approved the diversion to provide better connectivity to border districts. The train now follows the route via Batala, Gurdaspur, and Pathankot. This change provides Vande Bharat services to Batala and Gurdaspur for the first time. The train will now halt at Batala Junction, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, and Jammu Tawi.
How does the new route affect travel time?
The revised route has reduced the total travel distance by 84 km. This change has cut the travel time by approximately 40 minutes. The train now covers the journey in about 5 hours to 5 hours and 5 minutes. The service operates six days a week, and the weekly non-running day has been moved from Tuesday to Saturday.
What are the revised train timings?
| Train Number | From | To | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26406 | Katra | Amritsar | 06:40 AM | 11:40 AM |
| 26405 | Amritsar | Katra | 04:25/04:40 PM | 09:45/10:00 PM |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the new stops for the Amritsar-Katra Vande Bharat Express?
The train will now stop at Batala Junction, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, and Jammu Tawi.
How much travel time is saved with the new route?
The new route via Gurdaspur reduces the distance by 84 km and cuts the travel time by about 40 minutes.