train
Indian Railways quietly changes Vande Bharat route: New stops added on Amritsar–Katra journey, passengers from Gurdaspur get a major boost
Passengers from Gurdaspur, Batala and nearby regions get a direct Vande Bharat connection to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra as Indian Railways rolls out a revised route from June 16.
New Delhi: In a significant move aimed at improving passenger convenience, Indian Railways has revised the route of the country’s 74th Vande Bharat Express service operating between Amritsar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra.
The semi-high-speed train, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 10, 2025, and began commercial operations the following day, will now run through Gurdaspur instead of its earlier route via Jalandhar Cantonment.
The route modification has officially come into effect from June 16 after receiving approval from the Railway Board earlier this year. The decision is expected to benefit a large number of travellers from Punjab by providing better rail connectivity to one of India’s most visited pilgrimage destinations.
What’s Changed in the Route?
Previously, the Amritsar-Katra Vande Bharat service was operating through Jalandhar Cantt. Under the revised arrangement, the train will now pass through Batala Junction, Gurdaspur and Pathankot before reaching Jammu Tawi and Katra.
Officials from the Northern Railway‘s Firozpur Division stated that the route diversion has been implemented with passenger convenience in mind, particularly for residents of Gurdaspur and adjoining areas who previously had limited access to the premium train service.
New Stoppages Announced
With the revised route, the Vande Bharat Express will now halt at four key stations:
- Batala Junction
- Gurdaspur
- Pathankot
- Jammu Tawi
The additional stops are expected to improve connectivity for both pilgrims and regular travellers heading towards the Jammu region.
Updated Timings of the Train
The train continues to operate on all days except Saturdays.
Train No. 26405 (Amritsar to Katra)
- Departure from Amritsar: 4:40 PM
- Arrival at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra: 9:45 PM
Train No. 26406 (Katra to Amritsar)
- Departure from Katra: 6:40 AM
- Arrival at Amritsar: 11:40 AM
The train covers a distance of approximately 285 kilometres and completes the journey in nearly five hours and five minutes.
Ticket Fare Details
Passengers can choose between two travel classes onboard the Vande Bharat Express:
| Class | Fare |
|---|---|
| AC Chair Car | ₹1,040 |
| Executive Chair Car | ₹1,825 |
The train offers modern amenities, comfortable seating and faster travel times, making it a preferred option for pilgrims and tourists alike.
A Major Boost for Pilgrimage Travel
The revised route is being viewed as a strategic move to enhance regional connectivity and increase accessibility to the revered shrine of Vaishno Devi. With direct access now available from Gurdaspur and Batala through India’s flagship semi-high-speed rail service, thousands of devotees are expected to benefit from a more convenient and time-efficient travel experience.
The latest route change further highlights Indian Railways’ efforts to expand the reach of premium train services while improving connectivity across important religious and tourism corridors in northern India.
Pingback: “₹8,377 Crore Signal Overhaul…” Indian Railways’ Big Bet Could Change How India’s Trains Never Sleep Again - Dainik Diary - Authentic News