The Northern Railway has extended the operation of the special train between Budgam and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra until July 2 to facilitate passengers in the Jammu division and to improve connectivity with Kashmir. Akashvani Jammu correspondent reports that the trains numbered 04688 and 04687, which operate between Budgam and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, were originally scheduled to run from February 11 to March 3. The service will now continue from March 4 to July 2, without any changes to its existing schedule, stops, or coach composition. The train will complete a total of 102 trips during this extended period. However, it will not run on Sundays due to maintenance requirements. This decision was made in response to passenger demand and feedback, particularly from local residents and tourists traveling between the Kashmir Valley and the pilgrimage town of Katra. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu Railway Division, Uchit Singhal said that the extension aims to provide a reliable and affordable travel option while reducing last-minute inconvenience for passengers. The special train has been attracting attention for its Vista-dome coach, which offers panoramic views of the scenic route. Railway authorities have urged passengers to make use of the service. Passengers can check arrival and departure times, as well as details of stations along the route, through the National Train Enquiry System. This extension is expected to benefit pilgrims visiting the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine and tourists traveling between the two regions during the peak summer season.
