New Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat: The Train For Your Next Vaishno Devi Visit
New Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat: The cities connected by the services are New Delhi, Ambala, Ludhiana, Pathankot, Udhampur, Kathua, Jammu Tawi, and Katra
New Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat: The New Delhi–Katra Vande Bharat Express is a part of India's ambitious plan to modernise its railway network with faster, more efficient, and comfortable trains. The Vande Bharat Express, also known as Train 18, is a fully indigenously built semi-high-speed train developed by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, under the Make in India initiative.
The New Delhi-Katra trains connect capital city New Delhi with Katra, the gateway to the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir. The trains travel a distance of approximately 661 kilometers and offer a journey time of around eight hours, providing a faster and more comfortable option for the millions of pilgrims and tourists who visit the holy shrine each year.
Here's a lowdown on all aspects of the two trains:
Are There Two Vande Bharat Express Trains On The Same Route?
Yes, two pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains run between New Delhi and Katra. On October 3, 2019, the first set of trains with the number 22439/22440 was launched, while the second pair with the numbers 22477/22478 started on May 29, 2023.
What Are The Cities Connected & The Frequency Of Trains?
The cities connected by the services are New Delhi, Ambala, Ludhiana, Pathankot, Udhampur, Kathua, Jammu Tawi, and Katra. Both pairs of trains run on all days except Wednesday.
What Are The Schedules & Train Timings?
22439 New Delhi-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express Train
22440 Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express Train
22477 New Delhi-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express Train
22478 Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express Train
What Are The Fares?
22439 New Delhi-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express Train
22440 Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express Train
22477 New Delhi-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express Train
22478 Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express Train
What Are The Facilities Available?
• The Vande Bharat Express is equipped with two types of coaches: AC Chair Car coaches and AC Executive Chair Car coaches.
• On Board Catering/E-Catering are available on the trains.
• There are large windows in all coaches along with entertainment facilities such as On-board WiFi, Infotainment System, Reading Light, Electric Outlets, Bottle Holder, Seat Pockets, and Tray Table.
top videos
View all
• There are airline style, rotatable seats apart from overhead racks.
• Other facilities include KAVACH, Additional Parking Brakes and Traction Motor System, Smoke Alarms, CCTV Cameras, Bio-Vacuum Toilets, Sensor-based Water Taps, Roller Blinds, Automatic Doors, and Odour Control System.
About the Author
Apoorva Misra
Apoorva Misra is News Editor at News18.com with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. S...Read More
Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated!
tags :
ambala kathua Katra Ludhiana pathankot udhampur vande bharat
view comments
Location :
New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
July 30, 2025, 16:17 IST
News india New Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat: The Train For Your Next Vaishno Devi Visit | Complete Guide
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Time of India
J&K safe, want more visitors from Gujarat: Omar Abdullah
Ahmedabad: Jammu and Kashmir is open for tourism and continues to welcome lakhs of visitors despite the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, said J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday. Speaking during his two-day visit to Gujarat, Abdullah emphasised that while the attack impacted the tourism sector initially, the region has witnessed a steady recovery in footfall. "I am not denying that the Pahalgam terror attack affected our tourism industry. It happened right at the beginning of the peak season, and tourists left overnight," he said. "Srinagar airport, which usually handles 50 to 55 flights a day, saw arrivals drop to just 15. But now, we're back to about 30 flight arrivals daily. Kashmir is not empty, and we have not come here in despair. We want more people to visit Jammu and Kashmir." Abdullah was in Ahmedabad to attend a tourism promotion event organised by the Travel Agents Society of Kashmir (TASK), the apex body of tour operators in the region. He also visited the Statue of Unity during his trip and praised the initiative as a symbol of national pride. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad Speaking to the media, Abdullah said that his govt has conducted a comprehensive security audit of all tourist destinations. "Places where security can be ensured have been reopened, while some remain closed as a precaution," he said. Highlighting Gujarat's long-standing connection with J&K, he said, "Gujarat has been one of the leading contributors to J&K's tourism for the last 35 to 40 years. We want to strengthen this bond further. Jammu and Kashmir is open, and we want more Gujarati tourists to experience its beauty and hospitality." He further noted that many people have already visited the state for the Mata Vaishno Devi and Amarnath Yatras. "We are also working with IIT Jammu to enhance the overall tourist experience and infrastructure," he added.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
Vande Bharat Express trains occupancy analysis: How are trains performing?
Indian Railways, Vande Bharat Express: Indian Railways (IR) has introduced Vande Bharat Express trains to provide better travel experience to the passengers. Manufactured by Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF), these semi-high-speed trains are equipped with modern coaches, advanced safety features and passenger amenities. At present, a total of 144 Vande Bharat Express trains are running across various routes in the country. Of these, 22 Vande Bharat train services catering to the needs of various stations located in Maharashtra and eight Vande Bharat train services are catering to the needs of various stations of Madhya Pradesh. According to the latest data, the Vande Bharat Express trains have been running with over 100 per cent on all routes. The overall occupancy of Vande Bharat Express trains in the financial year 2024-25 is 102.01 per cent. However, in the ongoing fiscal year i.e. FY26, the passenger occupancy of these new age trains are 105.03 per cent (till June 2025). 'The overall occupancy of Vande Bharat Express trains in Financial Year 2024-25 & 2025-26 (till June, 2025) is 102.01% & 105.03% respectively,' Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Lok Sabha on Wednesday (July 30, 2025). Currently, Vande Bharat Express trains are running in three different coach variants – 8, 16, and 20 coaches. The train offers two types of seating arrangements: Chair Car (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC). Anish Mondal is a business journalist with over nine years of experience. He writes on diverse subjects such as Infrastructure, Railways, Roadways, Aviation, Politics, Market, Parliamentary affairs, Corporate earnings, General and International news etc. ... Read More
Hans India
a day ago
- Hans India
Puri-Rourkela Vande Bharat to get more coaches
Bhubaneswar: The Indian Railways has decided to double the number of coaches in Puri–Rourkela–Puri Vande Bharat Express from 8 to 16 from August 7, officials said on Wednesday. The upgraded rake composition will now consist of 12 AC chair cars, two executive chair cars and two crew chair car coaches. The decision was taken in view of the overwhelming response from passengers. Since its launch, the 20836/20835 Vande Bharat Express has operated at more than 110 per cent capacity, reflecting its rising popularity among travellers. 'Train No. 20836 (Puri–Rourkela) recorded 112.76 per cent occupancy, while Train No. 20835 (Rourkela–Puri) recorded 127.64 per cent. This high patronage reflects strong demand among daily commuters, business travellers and tourists alike,' they said. The enhanced capacity will allow more passengers to avail the benefits of a faster, more comfortable and technologically advanced mode of transport. The initiative is also expected to boost regional connectivity, tourism and economic growth in the State. The Puri–Rourkela Vande Bharat Express is a semi-high-speed train that connects Puri to Rourkela, covering a distance of 505 km in 7.5 hours. The train operates six days a week, except Tuesdays, with departures from Puri at 5 am and from Rourkela at 2.10 pm. This train has stoppages atnine stations: Khurda Road Junction, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Talcher Road, Angul, Rairakhol, Sambalpur city and Jharsuguda Junction.
