A reports that the decision has been taken in view of the large number of pilgrims expected to visit the shrine for Darshan of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi during the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Navratri. The extension of the special train service is expected to ensure a smoother and more comfortable travel experience for devotees travelling to Katra during the festive period. Train No. 04081 running from New Delhi to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, which was earlier scheduled to operate from February 21 to March 8, 2026, will now run for an extended period from March 17 to March 30, 2026, with a total of 14 trips. Similarly, Train No. 04082 operating from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to New Delhi, previously scheduled from February 22 to March 9, 2026, has also been extended and will run from March 18 to March 31, 2026, completing 14 trips during the extended period. The decision to extend the operation of the New Delhi–Katra Special train was taken in view of its immense popularity among passengers and the 100 percent occupancy recorded during earlier trips. The extended service will particularly benefit pilgrims visiting the shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi during Chaitra Navratri, as well as tourists travelling onward to Kashmir. Passengers have been advised to check the updated train schedule through Railway enquiry number 139 or the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) before commencing their journey.
