New Delhi to Katra: Northern Railway Launches Festive Special Trains
To manage the anticipated surge in passenger numbers during the upcoming festive season, Northern Railway has introduced several new reserved special train services. These services aim to provide seamless connectivity between New Delhi and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, catering specifically to the influx of pilgrims visiting the shrine.
Detailed Schedule of Festive Special Trains
The railway authorities have outlined a specific schedule for the new services to ensure travelers can plan their journeys effectively:
- Train No. 04085: This service will depart from New Delhi at 2:00 PM on October 15 and October 17, 2026.
- Train No. 04086: The return journey will depart from Katra at 10:00 AM on October 16 and October 18, reaching New Delhi at 11:30 PM the same day.
- Train No. 04485/04486: These trains will operate between the two stations from October 18 to October 21.
- Extension of Existing Services: The current 04081/04082 service has been extended to operate until November 6, 2026.
Route and Journey Details
The journey between New Delhi and Katra is expected to take approximately 13 hours. To ensure a comfortable experience, the trains will utilize modern LHB coaches, offering various classes including AC, Sleeper, and General.
The special trains will make scheduled stops at the following stations:
- Sonipat
- Panipat
- Kurukshetra
- Ambala Cantt
- Dhandari Kalan
- Jalandhar Cantt
- Pathankot Cantt
- Kathua
- Jammu Tawi
- Udhampur
Official Guidance for Passengers
Uchit Singhal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager for the Jammu Division, emphasized that these measures are designed to assist the large number of pilgrims visiting the shrine. To ensure a smooth travel experience, officials have provided the following recommendations:
Passengers are advised to book their tickets in advance via the IRCTC website or at designated reservation counters. Additionally, travelers should verify their specific train schedules using the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) or by calling the helpline at 139.
Udit Singhal, Senior DCM of the Jammu Division, added that the railway is prioritizing passenger comfort and is even considering the temporary attachment of additional coaches to regular trains to meet the high demand.