Amritsar is set to get direct connectivity with Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine benefitting tourists from other parts of India, who often combine visit to both in their travel plans.
Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu will flag off the Amritsar-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express on its revised route from Amritsar railway station at 4.15 pm on Tuesday.
The revised route via Batala and Gurdaspur has cut the distance by 84 km and travel time by approximately 40 minutes. The train will now cover the 283-km journey in nearly five hours.
Congress media coordinator Pankaj Khanna called it big news for the people of Batala and Gurdaspur, towns that will now get Vande Bharat connectivity for the first time.
The 26405/26406 service connects two major pilgrimage centres — Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra. The train will run six days a week, except Saturday, with AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car coaches.
The timing allows same-day pilgrimage and return journeys for devotees from both ends.
