Railway Update :- Millions of passengers travel via Indian Railways every day. The Railways continuously introduces new measures to enhance passenger convenience and ensures that travellers face no difficulties during their journeys. For long-distance travel, trains offer excellent facilities at an affordable price. Keeping passenger convenience in mind, the Railways has decided to extend the operational period of the Vistadome Special trains running in the Kashmir Valley. According to a notification issued by the Railways, the special trains operating between Budgam and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra will now continue to run until November 2, 2026.
In a post on the social media platform X, Northern Railway stated that the decision to extend the operational period of Vistadome Special trains in the Kashmir Valley has been made for the convenience of passengers; the details are as follows:
Which trains have had their service period extended?
According to the Railways, the service period for Train No. 04688 (Budgam–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vistadome Special) and Train No. 04687 (Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra–Budgam Vistadome Special) has been extended.
Trains run six days a week
According to the released schedule, both trains will operate six days a week; they will not run on Sundays. Train No. 04688 will run from Budgam to Katra, while Train No. 04687 will run from Katra to Budgam. This will greatly facilitate travel for pilgrims and tourists.
Decision effective from July 3
The initial operational period for these special trains was scheduled to end on July 2, 2026, but the Railways has now extended it to run from July 3, 2026, to November 2, 2026. Under this extension, a total of 104 additional trips will be operated for both trains.
Service to extend up to Banihal
The Railways has announced that these trains will also operate between Budgam and Banihal until August 31, 2026. Provisions will be in place for journeys extending up to Banihal, rather than terminating at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra station.
Extension of Jabalpur-Ayodhya Dham train
Meanwhile, the special train (01705) running from Jabalpur to Ayodhya Dham will now operate every Tuesday from July 21 to December 29. The return train (01706) from Ayodhya Dham to Jabalpur will run every Wednesday from July 22 to December 30.
Prayagraj-Hazrat Nizamuddin train extended
The special train (04123) from Prayagraj to Hazrat Nizamuddin will now run every Sunday and Wednesday from July 5 to July 29. The return train (04124) from Hazrat Nizamuddin to Prayagraj will operate every Monday and Thursday from July 6 to July 30.
Railways appeals to passengers
The Railways has urged passengers to verify details regarding train stoppages, schedules, and other information before planning their journeys. Passengers can contact the railway helpline number 139 for further information.