Now Visit Vaishno Devi By New Train Service To Katra

The new railway line between Udhampur to Katra will take devotees directly to Katra. Read detailed information about the train services from Udhampur to Katra.

The 25-kilometer-long train service to Katra from Udhampur is an essential section of the long-awaited line connecting Vaishno Devi and the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country. Katra town is a renowned base camp for pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi temple, where an estimated 10 million pilgrims visit with their families each year.

Last year, on 7th December 2013, the authorities successfully ran a light power engine from Udhampur to Katra. The primary objective of constructing the 25-kilometer line between Katra and Udhampur is to provide direct connectivity to Katra and benefit Vaishno Devi Pilgrims.

History of Udhampur Katra Rail Project

While the 53-kilometer-long Jammu-Udhampur rail line was already operational, a proposal was made to construct a railway line on the Udhampur-Katra route. As a result, trains can now travel directly to Katra from anywhere. However, the Udhampur-Katra route passes through inhospitable terrain, making it an extremely challenging project.

Starting Date of Katra Udhampur Rail Project

The work on the Katra Udhampur rail project commenced in 1998, but the actual groundwork began in 1999, with the promise that Katra would be connected to the rest of the country by the end of 2005.

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Completion Date of Project

As of 31st March 2014, the Udhampur-Katra rail project was completed, and the honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the train on 4th July 2014.

Estimated Cost of Katra – Udhampur Rail Line

The estimated cost of the Udhampur-Katra Rail Line as of March 31, 2014, is Rs. 1,132.75.

Tunnels & Bridges between Katra to Udhampur

The Udhampur and Katra route comprises seven tunnels and 30 small & big bridges. A total of 7 tunnels span over 10 kilometers of the 25-kilometer stretch.

Facilities at Katra railway Station for Yatris

The Katra Railway Station is equipped with a range of modern facilities, including a tourist guide counter, waiting hall, cloakroom, VIP lounge, escalators, lifts, and parking spaces. The 4 platforms can accommodate 26 coach trains. The escalator connects the station building and platform number one. Lifts have been provided for access from platform number one to the station exit.

Name of the Trains for Katra

Below is a table listing some prominent trains serving Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station (SVDK):

Note: Train schedules, names, and routes are subject to change, so it is recommended to check the latest details on the Indian Railways website (www.irctc.co.in).

Benefits of Katra Udhampur Train Service

The inauguration of the Katra-Udhampur Rail Line has come as a welcome relief for pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi Temple. Earlier, pilgrims had to take a cab or bus from Jammu Railway Station, which was time-consuming and comparatively more expensive. They can disembark at Katra and begin their trip to the Vaishno Devi Temple within the next few hours.

• The beginning of the train service to Katra will cut the travel time between Katra and your city of domicile by 1 to 1.5 hours.
• The Katra-Udhampur Railway Line will provide a boost to popular destinations located near Katra, including Shiv Khori, Patnitop, and Sanasar.
• Another important thing is that you can treat your eyes to the beautiful scenery and landscape through the train’s windows.

Places that can be visited By Katra- Udhampur Rail Line

Patnitop

Patnitop is a popular hill station located in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir. The name ‘Patnitop’ distorts the original name ‘Patan da Talab,’ meaning ‘Pond of the Princess.’ It is dominated by shrubs and pine trees, which heightens its scenic charm. During summer, the incredible scenery makes it a soul-stirring place. A thick mantle of snow makes it a favored destination for skiing lovers in winter.

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How to Reach Patnitop from Katra

The distance between Katra and Patnitop is just 81 kilometers. However, due to the hilly terrain, it takes around two hours to reach Patnitop from Katra.

Sanasar

Sanasar is a cut-shaped meadow located 98 kilometers away from Katra. The beauty of massive conifers enveloping this place makes it a fantastic destination. This place is quite famous for Paragliding, horse riding, and other camping activities. Besides, there are several trekking trails in Sanasar, such as Shank Pal Temple Trek. However, among all of them, Paragliding is more popular.

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How to reach Sanasar from Katra

The distance from Katra to Sanasar is 98 kilometers. This is a straight line distance; therefore, most of the time, the actual travel distance between Katra and Sanasar can be higher due to the road’s curvature.

Shiv Khori

After receiving blessings from Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, you can embark on a journey to Shiv Khori, a place dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a naturally formed Shiva Lingam, around 4 feet high.

How to reach Shiv Khori from Katra

Shiv Khori is located 71 kilometers from Katra. You will hire taxi from Katra bus stand to reach Shiv Khori Cave.

Srinagar

If you have a desire to visit Kashmir Valley while on the Mata Vaishno Yatra. Just explore our special tour package, “Idyllic Kashmir.” This tour package offers a trip to the Summer Capital of Jammu & Kashmir, along with a visit to the Vaishno Devi Temple.

There are many tourist attractions to enjoy in Srinagar and other nearby cities of Kashmir, such as the Shikara ride on Dal Lake, the Gondola ride in Gulmarg, the Mughal Gardens, and numerous religious places, including the Shankaracharya Temple and the Hazratbal Shrine. Moreover, there are various shopping sites where you can explore the art and crafts of the Kashmir Valley.

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How to reach Srinagar from Katra

The driving distance between Srinagar and Udhampur is 268 Kilometers. You will cover this distance by taxi or by bus.

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Vishal Chauhan

Vishal Chauhan is a procrastinator and a self appointed philosopher who likes to pen his randomly awesome thoughts. Although his chief interests are travel and health, Vishal is an expert commentator on Kashmir tourism and has a thing for mountains.