Reaching Vaishno Devi by Train

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK)

Since the Udhampur–Katra line opened in 2014, trains have run all the way to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station (station code SVDK), on the edge of Katra town. Long-distance trains connect Katra with Delhi and with cities across India.

• Vande Bharat Express: a fast day train between New Delhi and Katra.
• Other express trains from Delhi and further afield terminate at Katra or pass through Jammu Tawi.
• Book tickets on the Indian Railways / IRCTC website or app. Trains fill up quickly before the Navratras and holidays.

Via Jammu Tawi

Some trains terminate at Jammu Tawi (JAT). From there you can take a connecting train to Katra (the line runs Jammu – Bajalta – Sangar – Manwal – Ramnagar – Udhampur – Chak Rakhwal – Katra) or continue by road. See Jammu to Katra.

The Kashmir connection

On 6 June 2025 the Katra–Banihal section opened, completing the rail link from Katra to the Kashmir valley. The route crosses the Chenab rail bridge in Reasi district — about 359 m above the river bed — and the Srinagar–Katra Vande Bharat Express takes about three hours. Pilgrims can now combine Vaishno Devi and Kashmir by train.

On arrival at Katra

1. Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw into town (or check whether your hotel offers a pickup).
2. Check in, rest and deposit extra luggage.
3. Register for the Yatra at a Shrine Board counter when you are ready to start. See Yatra registration.

Looking for a room nearby? See hotels near Katra railway station.