History of Udhampur Katra Rail 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.Book your unforgettable Vaishno Devi Srinagar Tour Package today!
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 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):| Train Name | Train From |
| Vande Bharat Express | New Delhi (NDLS) – Katra (SVDK) |
| Jammu Rajdhani | New Delhi (NDLS) – Katra (SVDK) |
| Shri Shakti Express | New Delhi (NDLS) – Katra (SVDK) |
| Uttar Sampark Kranti Express | New Delhi (NDLS) – Katra (SVDK) |
| Swaraj Express | Bandra Terminus (BDTS) – Katra (SVDK) |
| Jamnagar – SVDK Express | Jamnagar (JAM) – Katra (SVDK) |
| Hapa – SVDK Express | Hapa (HAPA) – Katra (SVDK) |
| Sarvodaya Express | Ahmedabad (ADI) – Katra (SVDK) |
| Malwa Express | Indore (INDB) – Katra (SVDK) |
| Jabalpur – SVDK Express | Jabalpur (JBP) – Katra (SVDK) |
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.
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
