New Delhi to Katra: Festival Special Trains Announced
Indian Railways has announced a series of reserved Festival Special train services to accommodate the massive surge in pilgrims traveling to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra shrine during the 2026 festive season. To manage the expected increase in passenger volume, Northern Railway officials are coordinating these additional operations to ensure a smoother journey for devotees.
Detailed Schedule for New Delhi to Katra Services
Several special trains have been scheduled to cater to the outbound rush from the capital. For passengers traveling from New Delhi to Katra, the following services are available:
- Train No. 04085: Scheduled to depart New Delhi on October 15 and 17, 2026, arriving in Katra at 3:00 AM the following day.
- Train No. 04083: Operating from New Delhi on October 9 and 16, 2026.
- Train No. 04485: Scheduled for departures from New Delhi on October 18 and 20, 2026.
To further boost capacity, Train Nos. 04081/04082 have been granted 12 additional trips in each direction. These extra runs will operate from New Delhi between October 26 and November 6, 2026.
Return Services from Katra to New Delhi
Devotees returning from the shrine can utilize the following special services:
- Train No. 04084: Departing Katra at 10:00 AM on October 17, arriving in New Delhi at 11:30 PM.
- Train No. 04086: Operating from Katra on October 16 and 18, 2026.
- Train No. 04486: Scheduled for return journeys from Katra on October 19 and 21, 2026.
- Additional Trips: The extra runs for Train Nos. 04081/04082 will operate from Katra between October 27 and November 7, 2026.
Route, Halts, and Coach Composition
The journey spans approximately 655 km, providing a vital link for pilgrims. The special trains will feature a variety of coaches, including AC, sleeper, and general coaches, to cater to different passenger needs. The trains will make halts at several key stations, including:
- Sonipat
- Panipat
- Kurukshetra
- Ambala Cantt
- Dhandari Kalan
- Jalandhar Cantt
- Pathankot Cantt
- Kathua
- Jammu Tawi
- Shaheed Captain Tushar Mahajan
Official Advice for Passengers
Uchit Singhal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager for Jammu, noted that these services were specifically planned to address the substantial rise in devotee traffic during the festive period.
To ensure a hassle-free travel experience, Chief Public Relations Officer Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay has advised passengers to take the following steps:
- Verify all schedules and coach compositions via the National Train Enquiry System (NTES).
- Confirm seat availability by calling the helpline at 139 before travel.
- Book tickets well in advance through the official IRCTC website or at designated railway reservation counters.