Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, LG Manoj Sinha and Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary have thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for flagging off the Katra-Amritsar Vande Bharat Express today.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Surinder Choudhary, MP Jugal Kishore Sharma and chief secretary Atal Dulloo were among those present at Katra during the maiden run of the train this morning.
Dr. Jitendra Singh travelled in the train up to Jammu. He wrote on X; “Thank you PM Sh @narendramodi Ji for gifting fourth #VandeBharat Express to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi #Katra… this one connecting with another holy town of Amritsar….thus making Katra one of the best-connected rail destinations in India. A great boon for pilgrims, tourists, businessmen and regular commuters!”
The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for dedicating the Vande Bharat Train between Amritsar to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Station.
“The new Vande Bharat Train will ensure ease of travel for devotees of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and spur the growth momentum of the local economy,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor observed that the transport infrastructure of J&K, particularly in railways, has witnessed unprecedented growth under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister.
He said the first freight train that reached Anantnag from Punjab on August 09 has marked a significant milestone in transport infrastructure and trade of Kashmir valley.
The Lieutenant Governor posted on X: “Grateful to Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji for flagging off Vande Bharat Train between Amritsar to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Station. J&K’s transport infrastructure, particularly in railways, has witnessed unprecedented growth under the leadership of Hon’ble PM”.
“New Vande Bharat Train will ensure ease of travel for devotees of Mata Vaishno Devi and spur the growth momentum of the local economy. Yesterday, first freight train had reached Anantnag from Punjab, marking a significant milestone in Kashmir Valley’s transport infra and trade”.
The 26406 Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra – Amritsar Vande Bharat Express Train will depart from Katra at 06:40 a.m. to reach Amritsar at 12:20 p.m. the same day. In return direction, the 26405 Amritsar- Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express Train will depart from Amritsar at 4:25 p.m. to reach Katra at 10 pm. The Train will run six -days a week except Tuesday.
Union Minister of State for Railways, Ravneet Singh Bittu, extended heartfelt thanks to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for launching a new Vande Bharat Express between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and the holy city of Amritsar.
Calling it a significant milestone for Punjab, the Minister stated that the new high-speed train will not only facilitate spiritual travel for devotees but will also boost tourism and trade between Katra and Amritsar. He emphasized that the modern and comfortable travel experience offered by the Vande Bharat will benefit passengers traveling to and from the region, including those visiting the valley. The passengers boarding from Pathankot, Jalandhar and Beas would also be benefitted.
Highlighting upcoming railway initiatives in Punjab, Bittu announced that the state is poised for a major transformation in rail infrastructure. He said that several new railway projects will soon commence, including the development of new rail lines, improved connectivity, construction of Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and Road Under Bridges (RUBs), as well as the redevelopment of railway stations.
He further added that projects already in progress will be expedited and completed swiftly. “The Prime Minister has a grand vision for Punjab, and his deep affection for the people of the state is clearly reflected in the railway initiatives being undertaken,” said Bittu.