Budgam–Katra Express to Run With 12 Coaches From November 2
Srinagar, October 31: In a significant development for railway passengers in Jammu and Kashmir, Northern Railway has announced an increase in the coach capacity of the Budgam–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Express from November 2, 2026. The train will now operate with 12 coaches instead of its existing eight, providing additional accommodation for passengers travelling between the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu region.
The revised coach composition will apply to Train Nos. 14688 and 14687, operating between Budgam and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra in both directions. The upgraded arrangement will come into effect from November 2 at both originating stations.
The decision is expected to provide relief to passengers, particularly during the festive season when railway services witness increased demand. The additional coaches will improve passenger capacity and provide more opportunities for people travelling for religious visits, tourism, education, employment and other purposes.
According to railway officials, the revised composition will include additional air-conditioned, sleeper and general accommodation, along with a Vistadome coach. The inclusion of different categories of coaches is expected to cater to passengers with varying travel requirements.
The Budgam–Katra railway service has become an important transportation link connecting the Kashmir Valley with the Jammu region. It benefits local residents, students, government employees, tourists and devotees travelling to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.
Apart from increasing the capacity of the Budgam–Katra Express, Northern Railway has also announced temporary coach augmentation in several other trains operating through Jammu Division to manage the expected passenger rush.
An additional Second Class coach will be attached to the Bhagat Ki Kothi–Jammu Tawi Express from November 1 to November 30 at Bhagat Ki Kothi and from November 2 to December 1 at Jammu Tawi.
Similarly, the Sabarmati–Katra Express will receive an additional sleeper coach on November 1, with the corresponding arrangement for its return journey on November 3.
The Gandhinagar–Jammu Tawi Express will also receive additional Third AC and sleeper coaches on selected dates in November.
Railway authorities have advised passengers to check the latest train schedules, coach composition and ticket availability before commencing their journeys.
The capacity enhancement reflects Northern Railway’s efforts to accommodate growing passenger demand and improve travel facilities across the Jammu region and Kashmir Valley. The additional accommodation is expected to make rail journeys more convenient for thousands of passengers during the busy travel period.
