As year-end travel peaks across north India, Northern Railway has introduced five additional round-trip special train services between New Delhi and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to manage the surge in festive and pilgrimage traffic. The temporary rail services, operating until early January 2026, aim to ease congestion on one of the country’s busiest religious corridors while offering safer, more efficient long-distance mobility during the New Year period.
Railway officials said the decision was driven by rising passenger volumes heading to Jammu and Kashmir during the winter holiday season. Katra, the base camp for pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine, witnesses a sharp spike in footfall during December, placing pressure on existing rail and road networks. The introduction of special reserved trains is intended to reduce overcrowding, smooth passenger dispersal, and minimise last-minute travel disruptions. The special service from New Delhi to Katra will operate late at night, allowing travellers to complete the long journey overnight and arrive by midday. The return service from Katra to the capital is also scheduled for night departure, providing flexibility to pilgrims and tourists concluding their visits. Each train will run with a 16-coach configuration, significantly increasing seat availability during a high-demand window.
A senior railway official from the Jammu Division noted that seasonal special trains are increasingly being used as a planning tool rather than an emergency response. “These services help distribute passenger load more evenly, reduce platform congestion, and improve overall travel experience during peak periods,” the official said. Railway planners are also factoring in safety, operational efficiency, and passenger comfort while deploying such services. Beyond convenience, the move reflects a broader shift in how Indian Railways is responding to intercity mobility demands. By strengthening long-distance rail options during festive periods, authorities aim to reduce dependence on private vehicles and long-haul buses, which often contribute to congestion and emissions along sensitive Himalayan routes. Rail-based travel offers a lower-carbon alternative while ensuring accessibility for diverse income groups.
Urban mobility experts say such targeted capacity additions are crucial for building resilient transport systems, particularly in regions with seasonal travel surges. “Temporary rail augmentation, when planned well, supports inclusive mobility and reduces environmental stress on hill towns,” an urban transport analyst observed.
Tickets for the special services are available through official railway booking platforms and authorised agents. Passengers have been advised to confirm schedules before departure, as operational adjustments may occur depending on weather and traffic conditions. As cities and transport agencies prepare for growing travel demand, such measures underline the role of railways in enabling sustainable, equitable, and well-managed urban-to-regional connectivity during peak travel seasons.
New Delhi Runs Five Round Trips Special Trains To Katra New Year
