JAMMU, Mar 13: In a significant move to facilitate the pilgrimage of Mata Vaishno Devi during the upcoming Chaitra Navratri festival, the Northern Railway has extended the operation of its special train connecting the national capital to the cave shrine base camp.
The Jammu Division of Northern Railway on Friday announced extension of services for special train number 04081/04082 (New Delhi-Katra Special) to accommodate the massive influx of devotees expected during the auspicious nine-day festival commencing later this month.
According to a railway spokesperson, the decision to run the train for an additional 14 trips each way was taken in view of the overwhelming response and 100 per cent occupancy recorded during its initial run. The special train will now continue to operate beyond its previously scheduled period, bridging the crucial travel gap during the peak pilgrimage season.
“Railways has always been sensitive to the convenience of passengers and their growing demands. This extension will be of special benefit to tourists and devotees visiting for the darshan of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi—as well as those touring Kashmir—during the upcoming Chaitra Navratri,” Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal said.
As per the revised schedule, train number 04081 from New Delhi to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, which was earlier operational from February 21 to March 8, will now run for an additional 14 trips from March 17 to March 30. Similarly, the return train 04082 from Katra to New Delhi will run from March 18 to March 31, extending its previous run that concluded on March 9.
The Railways has urged passengers to verify the train’s timetable through the enquiry number 139 or the NTES portal before commencing their journey. (KNS)
