New Delhi: Indian Railways continues to facilitate travel for pilgrims by launching specialized train services connecting key religious sites and other prominent destinations nationwide. In a recent development, the national railway network has introduced a dedicated train service between Katihar in Bihar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra stations, bringing joy to travelers planning a pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi. This newly introduced train, designed as a festival special, will operate under the jurisdiction of the Northern Railway (NR) zone.

Objective Behind the Special Train Service

As per a statement released by the Northern Railway, this initiative aims to accommodate the surge in passenger traffic during the festive season. The train, titled Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra–Katihar–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Reserved Festival Special Express Train, will run under the identification numbers 04640/04639.

Route and Duration of the SVDK–Katihar-SVDK Special Train: Covering a distance of over 1,500 kilometers, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra–Katihar–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Reserved Festival Special Express Train, operating with the numbers 04640/04639, will take approximately 35 hours and 30 minutes. Notably, it is expected to be the fastest train along this route, surpassing the Lohit Express, which covers the same distance in 35 hours and 35 minutes.

Operating Schedule and Stops: During its journey between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and Katihar, the train is scheduled to make stops at 20 stations. These include prominent stops such as Jammu Tawi, Pathankot Cantt, Jalandhar Cantt, Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan, Ambala Cantt, Yamunanagar Jagadhri, Ludhiana, Saharanpur, Moradabad, Bareilly, Sitapur, Chhapra, Hajipur, Barauni Junction, Gonda, Basti, Gorakhpur, Begusarai, Khagaria Junction, and Naugachia railway stations.

Details on Coach Category and Fare- The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra–Katihar–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Reserved Festival Special Express Train will operate with AC 3 Class Economy category coaches. Passengers opting for this service will be charged Rs 2,145 for availing the facilities offered by the train.

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