For Somvati Amavasya, Railways to run spl train between Katra, Haridwar

In the wake of heavy rush of pilgrims at Vaishno Devi shrine, Indian Railways has decided to run a special train between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Haridwar stations.

“Considering the additional rush of pilgrims on the occasion of Somvati Amavasya (June 15), Jammu Division of Northern Railway has decided to run a special train between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Haridwar. This special train will be operated as train number 04606/04605 Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra - Haridwar - Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra,” a spokesperson said.

Train number 04606 will depart from Katra on June 14 at 6.15 pm and will reach Haridwar at 6.30 am the next day. In the return direction, train number 04605 will depart from Haridwar on June 15 at 5.20 pm and will reach Katra at 7 am the next day. Only one trip of this train will be operated.

This will be a fully reserved special train. A total of 16 coaches will be attached, including Sleeper, General, AC 3-Tier and AC 2-Tier coaches. The train will halt at major stations en route including Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan, Jammu Tawi, Pathankot Cantt, Jalandhar Cantt, Ludhiana, Ambala Cantt, Saharanpur and Roorkee.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu, Uchit Singhal, said, “A huge increase in the number of devotees is witnessed on Somvati Amavasya for visiting Mata Vaishno Devi. This special train is being run with the objective of facilitating passengers and managing the extra rush.”

He requested passengers to make reservations immediately and travel only with a valid ticket. Passengers can contact 139 for information regarding ticket availability and reservation status.

Northern Railway has requested devotees to make reservations before travel and maintain cleanliness on station premises. This special train is being run with the aim of providing smooth and safe travel to passengers going for ‘darshan’ on Somvati Amavasya.