Sabarmati–Jammu Tawi Express extended to Katra

The Ministry of Railways has approved the extension of the Sabarmati–Jammu Tawi Express to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. The extended service is scheduled to begin from Sabarmati on October 18 and from Katra on October 20.

This extension provides an additional rail connection to Katra, a primary base for pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. It offers travelers from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab more transit options. Additionally, the Railways has sanctioned three new halts in the Jammu region at Samba, Bari Brahmana, and Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan stations. These stops are intended to benefit local residents, students, traders, industrial workers, and military personnel.

The daily service will connect Katra with Sabarmati via major stations including Bathinda, Firozpur, Jalandhar, and Pathankot. The move is expected to support religious tourism, facilitate passenger movement, and boost regional trade and employment.