Direct Train to Vaishno Devi: Western Railway Extends Sabarmati–Jammu Tawi Express Right Up to Katra

Ahmedabad: Pilgrims heading to Mata Vaishno Devi from Gujarat will no longer need to switch transport at Jammu, as Western Railway has officially extended the Sabarmati–Jammu Tawi Express straight to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra station. The extension introduces seamless, direct rail connectivity for travelers from Ahmedabad and across the state, eliminating the hassle of hiring local buses or private taxis to complete the final leg of their journey.

According to schedule details released by railway officials, regular operations on the extended route begin on October 18 for Train Number 19223, while the return service, Train Number 19224, starts on October 20. The decision comes right ahead of the upcoming festival season, offering a major relief to thousands of families, senior citizens, and festive travelers planning visits during Navratri and Diwali.

Full Timings and Schedule for Sabarmati–Katra Route

Under the new operational schedule, the train will connect Sabarmati directly to the base camp of the holy shrine without requiring transfers at Jammu Tawi.

Train timings and route details:

• Sabarmati to Katra (Train No. 19223): Departs Sabarmati at 10:25 AM starting October 18, reaching Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 6:55 PM the following evening.
• Katra to Sabarmati (Train No. 19224): Departs Katra at 4:50 AM starting October 20, arriving back at Sabarmati at 2:05 PM the next day.
• Direct Terminal Access: Passengers avoid changing trains or searching for secondary transport at Jammu Tawi station.

Direct Benefits for Pilgrims and Festive Travelers

The line extension provides significant practical advantages for passengers travelling from Gujarat to the Katra base camp.

By extending the route to Katra, pilgrims save both time and additional travel expenses previously spent on taxis or intercity buses between Jammu and Katra. Senior citizens and families travelling with luggage will benefit most from uninterrupted transit. Furthermore, the direct connection establishes a convenient rail link from Ahmedabad for devotees planning pilgrimages during major holiday rushes.