Sabarmati Express Extended to Katra: Direct Pilgrim Connectivity!
Indian Railways has brought significant relief to pilgrims traveling from Western India to the holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. The Railway Board has officially announced the extension of the Sabarmati Express (Train No. 19223/19224), providing a direct rail link to Katra.
This decision, aimed at enhancing accessibility for devotees, was finalized following high-level discussions held in July 2026. According to Shri Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Western Railway, the new service schedules will commence in mid-October to facilitate smoother travel for the upcoming season.
Detailed Schedule for Sabarmati–Katra Express
The extended operations will follow a specific timetable to ensure convenience for both onward and return journeys:
- Train No. 19223 (Sabarmati to Katra): Operations begin on October 18, 2026. The train will depart from Sabarmati daily at 10:25 AM and is scheduled to reach Katra at 6:55 PM the following day.
- Train No. 19224 (Katra to Sabarmati): Operations begin on October 20, 2026. The return journey will depart Katra daily at 4:50 AM, arriving back at Sabarmati at 2:05 PM the next day.
Key Route and Important Stops
The extended route is designed to serve several important stations in the Jammu region, making it highly convenient for travelers. The train will include stops at:
- Jammu
- Samba
- Bari Brahman
- Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan station (Udhampur)
Impact on Other Train Services
Due to the integration of this extended service into the existing network, the Railway Board has implemented revised timings for certain other services to maintain efficiency. This includes adjustments to the Sabarmati–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Express (19415) and the Dr. Ambedkar Nagar–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Malwa Express (12919).
Booking and Reservation Information
Passenger bookings for the extended services, along with several other trains including 12471, 12473, 12475, and 12477, reopened on August 21, 2026, under the 60-day Advance Reservation Period (ARP).
Travelers are encouraged to verify the latest updated schedules and reservation status through official channels such as the IRCTC website, the mobile application, station enquiry counters, or the National Train Enquiry System (NTES).