Indian Railways Temporarily Suspends New Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat Express: Key Details

New Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat Express Cancelled

Indian Railways has recently announced the cancellation of the New Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat Express (train numbers 22439/22440) from January 16 to March 6, 2025. This 50-day suspension is due to necessary non-interlocking work at the Jammu yard as part of the ongoing Jammu station redevelopment project. The temporary halt is essential to facilitate infrastructure upgrades aimed at enhancing passenger experience, including improvements to the signal system and platform expansions.

Why Is the New Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat Express Cancelled?

The cancellation of trains 22439/22440 is part of the larger Jammu station redevelopment initiative. The project involves upgrading critical infrastructure, such as the signal system and platforms, to ensure the station can handle future growth in passenger traffic. Due to the scale of these changes, 65 trains, including the New Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat Express, have been temporarily suspended. Passengers can continue to rely on alternative options, such as train number 22477/22478, which will operate as per its regular schedule.

Key Details About the New Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat Express (22439)

The New Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat Express (22439) covers a distance of 655 km in 8 hours and 15 minutes. The train operates daily except for Wednesdays, departing from New Delhi at 06:00 AM and arriving at Katra at 02:15 PM. The train makes several stops, including Ambala Cantonment, Ludhiana Junction, Pathankot Cantonment, and Jammu Tawi. Ticket fares for this service are ₹1,665 for AC Chair Car and ₹3,055 for Executive Chair Car.

Key Details About the Katra-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express (22440)

The Katra-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express (22440) also covers the 655 km distance in 8 hours and 5 minutes. It departs from Katra at 02:55 PM and arrives in New Delhi at 11:00 PM. Along its journey, it stops at Jammu Tawi, Pathankot Cantonment, Ludhiana Junction, and Ambala Cantonment. Ticket fares for this train are ₹1,610 for AC Chair Car and ₹3,005 for Executive Chair Car.

Impact of the Jammu Station Redevelopment Project

The Jammu station redevelopment project is a significant initiative aimed at upgrading the station’s infrastructure to cater to increasing passenger traffic. The upgrades include a revamped station layout, modernized signal systems, and expanded platforms, all of which will ultimately improve the travel experience. While the suspension of the Vande Bharat Express may cause some inconvenience, it is necessary for the long-term benefit of passengers.

Final Thoughts: Alternative Travel Options

Although the cancellation of the New Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat Express (22439 and 22440) for 50 days may disrupt travel plans for some, passengers have several alternatives to choose from. Train number 22477 and 22478 continues to operate regularly between New Delhi and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. Additionally, other modes of transportation, such as buses and taxis, can also be considered during this period.

The redevelopment work at Jammu Railway Station is expected to significantly improve passenger services in the future. Stay updated with Indian Railways’ announcements and plan your travel accordingly. The improvements will ensure smoother operations and better connectivity, making the travel experience more comfortable and efficient in the long run.

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