Jammu, Oct 16 (KNS): Indian Railways has approved the extension of the Sabarmati BG–Jammu Tawi Express to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, along with additional halts at Samba, Bari Brahmana and Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan stations, to improve passenger connectivity and facilitate pilgrimage to the shrine.

The extension of Train Nos. 19223/19224 will come into effect from October 18 from Sabarmati and October 20 from Katra, according to the information provided by the Jammu Division of Northern Railway.

The extension is expected to benefit pilgrims travelling from Gujarat and other states by providing direct rail connectivity to Katra, the base camp for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, without requiring a change of train at Jammu Tawi.

The newly approved halts at Samba, Bari Brahmana and Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan stations are also expected to benefit local residents, students, traders and military personnel.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThe facility is particularly significant for people associated with the Bari Brahmana industrial area.

The daily service will connect Katra with Sabarmati through several stations, including Bathinda, Firozpur, Jalandhar and Pathankot, potentially supporting religious tourism, trade and employment.

As per the schedule shared, Train No. 19223 will depart from Sabarmati at 10:25 am and reach Jammu Tawi at 3:35 pm on the second day before proceeding to Katra, where it is scheduled to arrive at 6:55 pm.

On the return journey, Train No. 19224 will depart from Katra at 4:50 am and reach Jammu Tawi at 7:40 am.

Passengers have been advised to check the official Indian Railways website or the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) for detailed schedules and updated information.(KNS)