Jodhpur to Katra Direct Train Launched: New Route & Schedules
Indian Railways has officially launched the Jodhpur Katra direct train service on October 18, 2026, providing a seamless connection for pilgrims traveling to the holy shrine. This new service is an extension of the existing Sabarmati-Jammu Tawi Express (Train numbers 19223/19224), designed to offer a hassle-free journey for devotees from western Rajasthan.
Direct Connectivity for Western Rajasthan
By extending this service, the railways have eliminated the need for pilgrims to switch trains at Jammu Tawi. The direct route will benefit travelers from several key locations, including:
- Abu Road
- Pali Marwar
- Jodhpur
- Bikaner
- Hanumangarh
Jodhpur Divisional Railway Manager Anurag Tripathi announced that the extended route will include new stops at Samba, Bari Brahmana, and Shahid Captain Tushar Mahajan station.
Detailed Train Schedule
Passengers can rely on the following daily schedule for the extended service:
- Train 19223: Departs Jodhpur daily at 7:00 PM and arrives in Katra at 6:55 PM the following day.
- Train 19224: Departs Katra daily at 4:50 AM and reaches Jodhpur at 4:40 AM the next day.
Operational Updates and Festive Specials
In addition to the new service, the Jodhpur-Bhopal Express is scheduled to operate on a diverted route for a period of two days. To manage the upcoming festive rush, Indian Railways is also introducing special services, such as the Udhna-Jaynagar unreserved Puja Special and the Amritsar-Jaynagar Special (04651).
However, commuters in the Mumbai region should prepare for disruptions. On October 18, 2026, a 'Mega Block' will be implemented on Central Railway's Thane-Kalyan and Panvel-Vashi harbor lines for essential engineering and maintenance work. This is expected to lead to several local train cancellations and delays for various mail and express services.
Vande Bharat Security and New Insurance Mandate
Safety remains a top priority following a recent incident involving the Delhi-Jodhpur Vande Bharat (26482). Unidentified individuals pelted the train with stones between Gurgaon and Rewari, resulting in shattered windows in two coaches. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the passengers.
In another significant development, the Supreme Court has issued a directive regarding passenger protection. Effective October 27, 2026, all tickets sold at station counters must include insurance coverage. This move aims to bring counter ticketing in line with the benefits currently provided to passengers booking tickets online.