Direct train connects Gujarat and Vaishno Devi shrine
Summary and headline written by AI from the source article. How we work
Indian Railways began a direct train service between Sabarmati, Gujarat, and Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, to ease travel for pilgrims visiting the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.
The train departed Gujarat on Sunday and will arrive in Katra on Monday, with the return service starting October 20. Previously, trains traveling this route terminated at Jammu Tawi Railway Station, requiring passengers to transfer. This new service will benefit pilgrims from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab, allowing them to reach Katra directly.
The train will also stop at Samba, Bari Brahmana, and Udhampur stations, providing rail access to local residents and those connected to the industrial township of Bari Brahmana. Approximately 1 crore pilgrims visit the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine annually, and a large portion come from the states now better connected by this train. The railway expects the service to boost both religious tourism and trade along the route.
