The Amritsar-Katra Vande Bharat Express (Train Nos. 26405/26406) has started operating on a revised route. Union Minister of State for Railways, Ravneet Singh Bittu, flagged off the train from Amritsar on June 16, 2026. This change comes after the service was suspended since November 2025 due to bridge construction work between Chak Rakhwal and Madhopur.
What are the changes in the new route and timings
The train now runs via Batala, Gurdaspur, and Pathankot instead of its previous route through Jalandhar Cantt. This diversion has reduced the total travel distance by 84 km. Passengers will now save about 40 minutes of travel time, covering the 285 km distance in approximately 5 hours and 5 minutes.
Where will the train stop and when will it run
The Vande Bharat Express will now provide direct connectivity to several border districts. The scheduled halts and operational details are as follows:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Stops | Batala Junction, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, and Jammu Tawi |
| Effective Date (Amritsar) | June 16, 2026 |
| Effective Date (Katra) | June 17, 2026 |
| Weekly Non-running Day | Saturday (changed from Tuesday) |
| Operating Days | 6 days a week |
Who will benefit from this route diversion
According to the Firozpur Division of Northern Railway, the rerouting was done for passenger convenience. Uchit Singhal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of Jammu, stated that this move provides modern and punctual rail services to border districts. Residents of Batala and Gurdaspur now have direct access to this semi-high-speed service for the first time, making it easier for pilgrims to reach the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much travel time is saved on the new Amritsar-Katra Vande Bharat route?
The new route via Gurdaspur reduces the travel distance by 84 km, which cuts the journey time by approximately 40 minutes.
Which stations are included in the revised route of the Vande Bharat Express?
The train will now make scheduled stops at Batala Junction, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, and Jammu Tawi.