The new railway line between Udhampur to Katra will take devotees directly to Katra. Read detailed information about the train services from Udhampur to Katra.
The 25-kilometer-long train service to Katra from Udhampur is an essential section of the long-awaited line connecting Vaishno Devi and the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country. Katra town is a famous base camp among Mata Vaishno Devi temple pilgrims, where an estimated 10 million pilgrims revere with their families every year.
Last year, on 7th December 2013, the authorities successfully ran a light power engine from Udhampur to Katra. The main aim behind constructing the 25-kilometer line between Katra and Udhampur is to provide direct connectivity to Katra and benefit Vaishno Devi Pilgrims.
History of Udhampur Katra Rail Project
While the 53-kilometer-long Jammu-Udhampur rail line was already operational, the proposal for constructing a railway line on the Udhampur-Katra route was made. As a result, the trains can directly come to Katra from anywhere. However, the Udhampur-Katra route passes through inhospitable terrain, making it an extremely challenging project.
Starting Date of Katra Udhampur Rail Project
The work on the Katra Udhampur rail project was conducted in 1998, but the actual groundwork was started in 1999 with the promise that Katra would be connected to the rest of the country by the end of 2005.
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Completion Date of Project
As of 31st March 2014, the Udhampur-Katra rail project was completed, and the honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the train on 4th July 2014.
Estimated Cost of Katra – Udhampur Rail Line
The estimated cost of the Udhampur-Katra Rail Line is Rs. 1132.75 as of March 31st, 2014.
Tunnels & Bridges between Katra to Udhampur
The Udhampur and Katra route comprises of seven tunnels and 30 small & big bridges. Total 7 tunnels span over 10 kilometers of the 25 kilometer stretch.
Facilities at Katra railway Station for Yatris
The Katra Railway Station is equipped with a range of modern facilities, including a tourist guide counter, waiting for the hall, cloakroom, VIP lounge, escalators, lifts, and parking spaces. The 4 platforms can accommodate 26 coach trains. The escalator connects the station building and platform number one. Lifts have been provided for going from platform number one to exit from the station.
Name of the Trains for Katra
The new train to Katra has been named as Shreeshakti Express.
Benefits of Katra Udhampur Train Service
The inauguration of the Katra-Udhampur Rail Line has come as a breather for the pilgrims visiting Vaishno Devi Temple. Earlier, pilgrims had to take a cab or bus from Jammu Railway Station, which was time-consuming and comparatively more expensive. They can de-board at Katra and start their trip to Vaishno Devi Temple in the next few hours.
- The beginning of the train service to Katra will cut the travel time between Katra and your city of domicile by 1 to 1.5 hours.
- The Katra-Udhampur Railway Line will give a boost to specific popular destinations that are located close to Katra, such as Shiv Khori, Patnitop, and Sanasar.
- Another important thing is that you can treat your eyes to the beautiful scenery and landscape through the windowpanes of your train.
Places that can be visited By Katra- Udhampur Rail Line
Patnitop
Patnitop is a popular hill station located in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir. The name ‘Patnitop’ distorts the original name ‘Patan da Talab,’ meaning ‘Pond of the Princess.’ It is dominated by shrubs and pine trees which heightens its scenic charm. During summers, the incredible scenery makes it a soul-stirring place. A thick mantle of snow makes it a favored destination for skiing lovers in winters.
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How to Reach Patnitop from Katra
The distance between Katra and Patnitop is just 81 kilometers. However, due to the hilly terrain, it takes around two hours to reach Patnitop from Katra.
Sanasar
Sanasar is a cut-shaped meadow located 98 kilometers away from Katra. The beauty of massive conifers enveloping this place makes it a fantastic destination. This place is quite famous for Paragliding, horse riding, and other camping activities. Besides, there are several trekking trails in Sanasara, such as Shank Pal Temple Trek. However, among all of them, Paragliding is more popular.
How to reach Sanasar from Katra
The distance from Katra to Sanasar is 98 kilometers. This is a straight line distance; therefore, most of the time, the actual travel distance between Katra and Sanasar can be higher due to the road’s curvature.
Shiv Khori
After receiving blessings from Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, you can embark on a journey to Shiv Khori, a place dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a naturally formed Shiva Lingam, around 4 feet high.
How to reach Shiv Khori from Katra
Shiv Khori is located 71 kilometers from Katra. You will hire taxi from Katra bus stand to reach Shiv Khori Cave.
Srinagar
If you have a desire to visit Kashmir Valley while on Mata Vaishno Yatra. Just explore our special tour package, “Idyllic Kashmir.” This tour package provides a tour to the Summer Capital of Jammu & Kashmir along with the Vaishno Devi temple tour.
There are many tourist attractions to enjoy in Srinagar & other nearby cities of Kashmir like the Shikara ride on Dal Lake, Gondola ride in Gulmarg, Mughal Gardens, and many religious places like Shankaracharya Temple, Hazratbal shrine, etc. Moreover, there are various shopping sites where you will explore the art & craft of Kashmir valley.
How to reach Srinagar from Katra
The driving distance between Srinagar and Udhampur is 268 Kilometers. You will cover this distance by taxi or by bus .
Related Post:
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- Now Travel to Maa Vaishno Devi by Train Directly
- 3 Pindis in Vaishno Devi: Legends and Religious Significance
Vishal Chauhan
Vishal Chauhan is a procrastinator and a self appointed philosopher who likes to pen his randomly awesome thoughts. Although his chief interests are travel and health, Vishal is an expert commentator on Kashmir tourism and has a thing for mountains.
This is an achievement. Many more trains are started o Katra from different parts of the country.
Hi Jorg,
Thanks for the compliments. We cherish it. The commencement of Katra Railway Station will cut down the time travel for pilgrims.
Beautiful pics……..