JAMMU, Aug 13: The Railway Board has approved the extension of the Sabarmati-Jammu Tawi Express up to Katra, a move expected to provide greater convenience to pilgrims and passengers travelling from western parts of the country, officials said on Wednesday.
According to officials of the Jammu division of Northern Railway, the train will operate via Jammu and halt at Shaheed Captain Tushar Mahajan railway station in Udhampur before proceeding to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station.
The extension is expected to benefit passengers from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab and other parts of western India who currently have to terminate their journey at Jammu Tawi and arrange separate transport to reach Katra.
With the extended service, passengers will be able to travel directly to Katra without changing trains or making separate arrangements for the onward journey, reducing both travel time and additional expenses.
Railway officials said the move would further strengthen rail connectivity to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine and facilitate religious tourism in the region.
The date for commencement of the extended service will be announced separately after the operational arrangements are finalised.
Passengers have been advised to check the IRCTC website, mobile application or railway enquiry counters for updated information regarding the train's schedule and reservations.
