Amid an anticipated surge in pilgrim traffic during the summer vacation period, the Northern Railway’s Jammu Division on Thursday announced 40 additional runs of the special train between New Delhi and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station, an official said.Jammu Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal said the extension from April 15 to July 16 has been approved in view of the train’s immense popularity and the 100 per cent occupancy recorded during its earlier runs.
He said the Train No 04081 (New Delhi to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra) will operate from April 15 to July 15, completing a total of 40 runs, while Train No 04082 (Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to New Delhi) will run from April 16 to July 16, also undertaking 40 additional runs during the period.
“This service has proven to be an affordable and convenient option not only for devotees travelling to Katra but also for tourists heading to Kashmir and passengers boarding at intermediate stations along the route,” the official said.
Regarding the timings and stoppages of the special train, he said the Train No 04081 will depart from New Delhi at 11.45 pm and arrive at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 12 pm the following day.
The Train No 04082 will depart from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 9 pm and arrive at New Delhi at 10 am the following morning, he said.
During its journey, the special train will halt in both directions at Panipat, Kurukshetra, Ambala Cantt, Ludhiana, Jalandhar Cantt, Pathankot Cantt, Jammu, and Shaheed Captain Tushar Mahajan railway stations, he said.
He said the special train will comprise 21 coaches and is expected to significantly enhance passengers’ chances of securing confirmed tickets.