Vande Bharat Express: Exciting news for railway travelers! The Indian Railway Board (RB) has officially sanctioned a new route for the Vande Bharat Express connecting Amritsar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK). Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August 2025, this semi-high-speed train is managed by the Northern Railway (NR) zone. This route modification will enhance passenger comfort and improve rail connectivity in the area.
Train number 26405/26406 Amritsar-Katra Vande Bharat Express will now take the route through Gurdaspur instead of the previous path via Jalandhar Cantt. In an official communication dated March 23, the Railway Board stated, “Referring to Northern Railway’s letter dated March 12, 2026 (No. 1-TT/Vande Bharat/2026), the Railway Board has approved the plan to reroute the Amritsar-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express through Gurdaspur instead of Jalandhar Cantt.”
Travel time and operational days
This premium service will cover the distance from Amritsar to Katra in just 5 hours. Moreover, there has been a significant adjustment to the train’s operating schedule. The train will now operate every day of the week except Saturday, whereas it previously did not run on Tuesdays.
Stops at these 4 stations
With the new route, the Amritsar-Katra Vande Bharat Express will make stops at four key stations along the way:
Batala
Gurdaspur
Pathankot
Jammu Tawi
Train schedule
To assist passengers, the Railways has also released the updated timetable for this train.
Katra to Amritsar (Train No. 26406): This train will leave Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 06:40 AM and arrive in Amritsar at 11:40 AM on the same day.
Amritsar to Katra (Train No. 26405): On the return trip, this train will depart from Amritsar at 16:40 hrs (4:40 PM) and reach Katra at 21:45 hrs (9:45 PM).
Facilities for coaches and passengers
The new Vande Bharat Express, which will run via Gurdaspur, will have a total of eight coaches. It features two types of superior seating arrangements: AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car, to provide passengers with a world-class experience.
When will these changes be implemented?
According to the Railway Board’s letter, all these changes will be implemented during the advance reservation period. The Board also clarified that, if necessary, the inaugural service on this new route may be planned as a “special service,” which will then resume its regular schedule.
