New Delhi–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 22439/22440):
• Inauguration: October 3, 2019
• Route: New Delhi (NDLS) → Ambala Cantt Junction (UMB) → Ludhiana Junction (LDH) → Pathankot Cantt (PTKC) → Jammu Tawi (JAT) → Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK)
• Distance Covered: 655 km
• Journey Time: Approximately 8 hours 15 minutes
• Frequency: Operates six days a week, excluding Wednesdays
• Departure from New Delhi: 06:00 hrs
• Arrival at Katra: 14:15 hrs
• Classes Available: AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car
• Fare:
• AC Chair Car: ₹1,665
• Executive Chair Car: ₹3,055
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra–New Delhi Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 22477/22478):
• Inauguration: December 30, 2023
• Route: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) → Udhampur (UHP) → Jammu Tawi (JAT) → Kathua (KTHU) → Ludhiana Junction (LDH) → Ambala Cantt Junction (UMB) → New Delhi (NDLS)
• Distance Covered: 655 km
• Journey Time: Approximately 8 hours
• Frequency: Operates six days a week, excluding Wednesdays
• Departure from Katra: 14:55 hrs
• Arrival at New Delhi: 23:00 hrs
• Classes Available: AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car
• Fare:
• AC Chair Car: ₹1,665
• Executive Chair Car: ₹3,055
These Vande Bharat Express will provide comfort to devotees and tourists, visiting the holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, significantly reducing travel time between New Delhi and Katra. These Vande Bharat Express is definitely expensive but it is equally comfortable. The improved connectivity benefits pilgrims and helps local economies by boosting trade, creating jobs and promoting the growth of ancillary industries like hospitality, handicrafts, and food services.