Aug 12, 2025: An official from the Jammu division of Northern Railway stated that the newly launched Vande Bharat Express train will operate six days a week, with the exception of Tuesday, between the two holy cities of Katra in Jammu and Kashmir and Amritsar in Punjab. The prime minister launched three Vande Bharat Express trains on Sunday in Bengaluru: one that went physically from Bengaluru to Belagavi, one that went virtually from Nagpur (Ajni) to Pune, and one that went physically from Amritsar to Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. The 26406 Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Amritsar Vande Bharat Express will leave Katra at 6:40 in the morning and arrive at the Ferozepur division's Amritsar railway station at 12:20 in the evening. It will make stops in Jammu, Pathankot Cantt, Jalandhar City, and Vyas along the way. According to the official, the Amritsar-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express will depart from Amritsar at 4:25 p.m. and return at 10 p.m., making stops in Vyas, Jalandhar City, Pathankot Cantt, and Jammu. The railway official said the newly introduced train will operate six days a week, excluding Tuesdays. He stated that devotees visiting Mata Vaishno Devi will have access to a faster and more comfortable mode of transportation via the Vande Bharat Express, allowing for convenient same-day travel. It is also anticipated that the introduction of the train will increase tourism and economic activity between J&K and Punjab. According to the official, the train is a landmark in the modernization efforts of Indian Railways because it has cutting-edge amenities like plush seating, contemporary interiors, high-speed performance, and advanced safety features. Addressing the function at Katra, Union Minister Jitendra Singh commended the prime minister’s vision for modern, efficient, and passenger-friendly train services. He stated, "The Vande Bharat Express is not only a symbol of technological advancement; it also demonstrates our government's commitment to bring world-class transportation facilities to every corner of the country, including the Jammu region." Kishore, a member of the BJP, emphasized the advantages of the new service, noting that the Katra–Amritsar route will provide improved comfort and amenities while significantly reducing travel time.