Northern Railway Launches Six Day AC Chair Car Special Express Between Badgam and Katra Starting October 2026

Northern Railway announced regular operations for the Badgam – Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra – Badgam Special Express on September 3, 2026, establishing a six-day-a-week AC Chair Car rail service starting October 19, 2026. Operating as Train No. 04688 outbound and Train No. 04687 inbound, the scheduled express links the Kashmir Valley directly with the pilgrimage hub of Katra across twelve intermediate stations.

Badgam Katra Special Express Timetable and Operational Alignment

[SRINAGAR, India, Sept. 3, 2026] — Railway infrastructure development across northern India marks a major milestone as Northern Railway schedules routine operations for the Badgam – Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Special Express. Commencing regular service on October 19, 2026, the AC Chair Car express provides a reliable, climate-controlled transport link between the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu region.

The train will operate six days a week, excluding Sundays. Outbound Train No. 04688 departs Badgam at 7:20 AM, traveling south through major Kashmir and Jammu stations to arrive at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 1:00 PM. The same-day return service, Train No. 04687, departs Katra at 1:45 PM and reaches Badgam at 8:00 PM.

According to passenger information released by railway authorities, tickets can be reserved through the IRCTC Portal or passenger reservation counters. The service supports both religious pilgrimage travel toward the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine and general passenger mobility across the corridor.

The service features twelve intermediate scheduled stops connecting key regional population centers:

• Kashmir Valley Section: Srinagar, Awantipora, Anantnag, and Qazigund.
• Mountain Tunnel Section: Banihal, Khari, Sumber, and Sangaldan.
• Reasi & Jammu Section: Sawalkote, Dugga, Bakkal, and Reasi.

Badgam – Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Special Express Schedule Matrix

Train Number	Terminal Departure	Terminal Arrival	Operating Frequency	Coach Class	Key Intermediate Halts
Train No. 04688 (Outbound)	Badgam (BDGM): 07:20 AM	Katra (SVDK): 01:00 PM	6 Days/Week (Mon–Sat)	AC Chair Car	Srinagar, Awantipora, Anantnag, Qazigund, Banihal, Reasi
Train No. 04687 (Inbound)	Katra (SVDK): 01:45 PM	Badgam (BDGM): 08:00 PM	6 Days/Week (Mon–Sat)	AC Chair Car	Reasi, Bakkal, Sawalkote, Sangaldan, Banihal, Anantnag

Traveler Logistics Guide & Pilgrim Rail Transit Protocol

Connecting between the Kashmir Valley and Katra via Northern Railway's AC Chair Car express requires understanding specific booking and transit procedures:

• Reserving AC Chair Car Tickets via IRCTC: Passengers can book advance seat reservations online via the official IRCTC portal (irctc.co.in) or passenger reservation system (PRS) counters. Advance reservation opens up to 120 days prior to travel; early booking is recommended during peak festival pilgrimage periods.
• Pilgrim Layover & Yatra Registration at Katra: Train No. 04688 arrives at Katra station at 1:00 PM. Pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine can collect required Yatra Parcha / RFID access cards directly at the station counter before proceeding toward the Bhavan. Return travelers can utilize the 1:45 PM afternoon departure (Train No. 04687) back to Kashmir.
• Managing Sunday Service Exclusions: The Badgam-Katra Special Express does not operate on Sundays. Travelers requiring Sunday transport should arrange alternative road transit along National Highway 44 (NH-44) or adjust travel schedules to weekday operations.
• Real-Time Schedule Verification via RailMadad: Railway passenger assistance and schedule updates are available 24/7 through the national RailMadad helpline by dialing 139 or checking the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) mobile application.
• Comparing Rail vs Road Transit Logistics: The 5.5-hour rail journey provides a climate-controlled, safe alternative to mountainous highway travel along NH-44, avoiding weather-related road blockages across the Ramban and Banihal mountain passes.

Regional Rail Infrastructure & Socio-Economic Impact

The scheduling of regular express services between Badgam and Katra underscores the strategic importance of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. Integrating the Kashmir rail network with the national railway grid provides all-weather transport connectivity across challenging mountainous terrain.

Beyond serving religious pilgrims heading to Katra, the regular rail link supports local commerce, business travel, educational commutes, and regional tourism across Badgam, Srinagar, Anantnag, and Reasi.

For travelers and logistics planners across Jammu and Kashmir, Northern Railway's six-day AC Chair Car service establishes a vital, predictable transport corridor.

Key Railway Service Highlights

• Service Commencement: Regular operations begin October 19, 2026.
• Six-Day Operation: Runs Monday through Saturday (no service on Sundays).
• Outbound Timetable (Train 04688): Departs Badgam at 7:20 AM; arrives Katra at 1:00 PM.
• Inbound Timetable (Train 04687): Departs Katra at 1:45 PM; arrives Badgam at 8:00 PM.
• 12 Intermediate Halts: Serves Srinagar, Anantnag, Banihal, Reasi, and surrounding communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Badgam to Katra train service start?

Regular operations for the Badgam – Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Special Express begin on October 19, 2026.

What are the departure and arrival times for Train 04688?

Train No. 04688 departs Badgam at 7:20 AM and arrives at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 1:00 PM.

Does the Badgam Katra train operate every day?

No. The service operates six days a week, from Monday through Saturday, with no service on Sundays.

What seating classes are available on the train?

The service operates with climate-controlled AC Chair Car coaches.

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