PM Modi Flags Off Vande Bharat Express Between Katra and Amritsar: A Grand Boost for Pilgrims and Tourism

Katra, Jammu & Kashmir – In a momentous event today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagged off the new Vande Bharat Express connecting Katra, the gateway to the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi, with Amritsar, home to the iconic Golden Temple. The flag-off was attended by local MPs, MLAs, and a jubilant crowd waving the national flag, making for a patriotic atmosphere in the foothills of the revered shrine.

This new semi-high speed train service bridges a crucial travel gap for countless pilgrims across the country. Previously, while visitors to Vaishno Devi could access Srinagar by the Vande Bharat Express, direct connectivity to Amritsar’s sacred sites, including the Golden Temple, Sarovar, and beyond, remained limited. The launch of the Katra-Amritsar Vande Bharat Express, alongside new services from Bengaluru and Nagpur, is seen as a major boon for both Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab, enabling devotees and tourists to explore both holy cities with ease.

Speaking to local media, residents expressed their gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and the Railway Minister for extending modern amenities to the region, noting that such connectivity is long overdue and will further accelerate Jammu & Kashmir’s development.

The engine driver of the Vande Bharat Express, Gurjinder Singh, shared his excitement: “There is great enthusiasm among all railway employees and the public. This is a moment of pride for us as Indians and for our Prime Minister. The Vande Bharat rake is much smarter and safer than ordinary trains, offering passengers a comfortable and enjoyable journey.”

The train departs from Katra at 10:50 am and passes through Jammu Tawi, Pathankot Cantt, Jalandhar City, and Beas before reaching Amritsar at 5:00 pm. Singh urged passengers to make the most of this new facility and to travel respectfully, ensuring a pleasant journey for all.

Railway staff, local MPs, and the entire community turned out to celebrate the milestone, with passengers equally enthusiastic about the new, more comfortable travel option. The launch of the Vande Bharat Express is yet another symbol of the region’s rapid development and integration with the rest of the country.

How do you view this new development? Share your thoughts in the comments section. Stay tuned to Greater Jammu for more updates!