JAMMU: In a major step to enhance passenger convenience and effectively manage the anticipated surge in pilgrim traffic during the upcoming summer season, the Jammu Division of Northern Railway has announced the extension of the reserved special express train service operating between New Delhi and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra.

Train No. 04081/04082 (New Delhi–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra–New Delhi), which has witnessed overwhelming response in previous runs, will now continue operations for an extended period, significantly improving the chances of passengers securing confirmed tickets during the peak travel months.

Sharing details, Uchit Singhal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu, stated that the decision to extend the service was taken in view of its immense popularity and consistent 100% occupancy. He noted that the train has emerged as a highly affordable and convenient travel option not only for pilgrims visiting the holy shrine but also for tourists heading towards Kashmir and passengers boarding from intermediate stations along the route.

As per the revised schedule, Train No. 04081 (New Delhi to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra) will operate from April 15 to July 15, completing a total of 40 trips. In the return direction, Train No. 04082 (Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to New Delhi) will run from April 16 to July 16, also covering 40 trips.

In terms of timings, Train No. 04081 will depart from New Delhi at 11:45 PM and reach Katra at 12:00 noon the following day. Conversely, Train No. 04082 will leave Katra at 9:00 PM and arrive in New Delhi at 10:00 AM the next morning.The train will halt at key stations in both directions, including Panipat, Kurukshetra, Ambala Cantt, Ludhiana, Jalandhar Cantt, Pathankot Cantt, Jammu, and Shaheed Captain Tushar Mahajan railway station, ensuring wider connectivity for passengers across the route.

Comprising 21 coaches, the special train is expected to cater to a large number of travelers during the busy pilgrimage and tourist season. Passengers can book tickets through the official IRCTC website, mobile application, or authorized Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters.Railway authorities have advised passengers to check the latest train status and schedule through the railway enquiry number 139 or the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) before commencing their journey to avoid any inconvenience.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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