Mata Vaishno Devi is one of India’s most revered and frequented shrines. There are multiple trains at different times and intervals if you are travelling from Delhi. But if you are planning for a trip during weekends then it could become a decision that is tricky as to which train combination to choose from.
The purpose of this guide is to help you make this decision while keeping in mind timing, convenience and cost so that the time on the train is well spent.
The train that we suggest from Delhi is the Duronto Express (12265) and the return journey can be completed by Shri Shakti Express (22462). Keep reading until the end for useful information and why we recommend this combination.
Key Information Duronto Express (Onward journey):
| Train Number and Train Name | 12265 – JAT Duronto Express | ||||
| Source station | Delhi Sarai Rohilla (DEE) Scheduled Departure: 22:20 |
||||
| Destination station | Jammu Tawi (JAT) Scheduled Arrival: 07:10 |
||||
| Total Distance Covered (km) | 578 | ||||
| Total Travel Time (hr:mm) (including halts) | 08:50 | ||||
| Halts / Stops (Excluding Source/Destination) | 1 | ||||
| Average Speed (including halts) | 65 kmph | ||||
| Coaches | 1AC 2AC 3AC SL | ||||
| Runs on | TUE, FRI, SUN | ||||
| Cost |
|
Which is the ideal train to start the weekend trip to Vaishno Devi from Delhi? Why do we recommend the Duronto Express from Delhi?
We recommend boarding the Duronto Express (12265) from Delhi. It starts from Delhi at 10:20 PM which makes it ideal for office-going people to catch the train after they are done with their work. There are faster trains like Vande Bharat and Rajdhani but they start earlier so not ideal. There are literally no stops (one logistical) stop when you travel by this train which makes it convenient and less disturbing with no people movement at night. The time taken by this train is almost the same as the fastest train on this route so you will not lose out on this aspect. There are sleeper coaches on this train which makes it a great choice for people travelling on a budget. The train reaches Jammu very early in the day so you can reach Katra by 10 AM and start the yatra after taking some rest. Being a direct train from Delhi to Jammu, the tickets are also available relatively easily. We have never faced any issues in booking a tatkal ticket on this train due to the lower demand for tickets. The only con is the source station (Delhi Sarai Rohilla) which is slightly remote.
However, the benefits far outweigh the con and this is a great train to start your holy journey.
How to reach the Delhi Sarai Rohilla (DEE) station by Delhi metro?
Although the station is well connected by road, the better way to reach is by Delhi Metro. The nearest metro station is Shastri Nagar which falls on the red line of the Delhi metro. If you are coming from a different part of Delhi then you can change to the red line from Kashmere Gate ISBT. Kashmere Gate ISBT is connected by the violet line (from Ballabgarh/Faridabad) and the yellow line (Gurgaon/Samaypur Badli). From the Shastri Nagar metro station, you can board battery rickshaws for the last mile connectivity which will charge you Rs.20 per person.
What about the cleanliness and condition of coaches in Duronto Express (12265)?
The train, for sure, looks beautiful from the outside with the design and graffiti (look at the left featured image). The coaches are relatively newer ones but most probably not the latest ones that the railways have to offer.
We mostly travel on a budget and use sleeper coaches on this train. The sitting area is decently clean without any infestation and dirt. However, the situation is completely reversed once you step into the toilets. As experienced on a sleeper coach in any of the Indian Railways trains, the condition of toilets is clogged and pathetic. Make sure to use the toilet well before the daybreak to escape an unpleasant start to the day.
The situation could be slightly better for the AC coaches so if you have the budget then go for it.
How is the overall passenger experience on Duronto Express (12265)?
Duronto express is not the first choice of many of travellers but it is a hidden gem. The timing at the source station is perfect, moves at a brisk pace, does not have many stops and is extremely punctual in reaching the destination so these reasons make it ideal to consider.
How much delay can one expect while travelling on Duronto Express (12265)?
One of the few trains which are extremely punctual in reaching the destination. In our experience in all the years travelling on this train, we have rarely faced a delay of more than 30 minutes. In fact, in most instances, the train was on time.
If you are travelling in the peak winter season then you can expect delays due to dense fog but then it happens with all modes of transport in north India.
How to reach Katra from Jammu railway station?
When you step out of Jammu railway station, you will first come across a taxi stand and then the bus stand. So, you can either avail of a private taxi or head to the bus stand to board a bus to Katra. At the bus stand you can either board a govt. run bus or a private one. Please note that the govt. run buses operate early in the day else you will be at the mercy of private operators. The private buses are a mess and will not move till every inch is occupied, so we would recommend opting govt run transport any day.
The fares vary from Rs.80 to Rs.160 depending on the type of bus (Non AC, Semi-Deluxe and AC). It usually takes around 2 hours for the entire journey.
Key Information Shri Shakti Express (Return journey):
| Train Number and Train Name | 22462 – Shri Shakti Express | |||
| Source station | Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK)
Scheduled Departure: 23:00 |
|||
| Destination station | New Delhi (NDLS) Scheduled Arrival: 09:45 |
|||
| Total Distance Covered (km) | 655 | |||
| Total Travel Time (hr:mm) (including halts) | 10:45 | |||
| Halts / Stops (Excluding Source/Destination) | 6 | |||
| Average Speed (including halts) | 61 kmph | |||
| Coaches | 1AC 2AC 3AC | |||
| Runs on | Daily | |||
| Cost |
|
Which is the ideal train to end your weekend travel from Vaishno Devi to Delhi? Why do we recommend the Shri Shakti Express (22462) from Katra?
Shri Shakti Express departs Katra at 11 PM giving you ample time to complete your yatra and also some time to relax. The train starts from Katra itself so you do not need to make the tiring journey back to Jammu. The Katra station is a delight and is extremely clean so you will have a good time while waiting for the train.
The train itself is very modern with the latest coaches and extremely clean. We have so far not come across a train so clean in all our journeys. The train is completely air-conditioned so you will have to spend a bit more but certainly worth it. After the yatra which is tiring on your body, we feel this is an ideal train to soothe your senses.
Also, the train reaches Delhi early in the day so you can either rest for the day or head to the office as the case may be.
What about the cleanliness and condition of coaches in Shri Shakti Express (22462)?
The train is in very good condition from the outside as well as from the inside. The toilets are all bio-toilets and are very nicely maintained so you will not have any issues with that. The bedding is also included with the cost and we found them very clean as well.
A big thumbs up from our side.👍
How is the overall passenger experience on Shri Shakti Express (22462)?
We found the Shri Shakti express to be one of the best that we have travelled so far in India. We would even rate this higher than the premier trains like Rajdhani on certain parameters. The time taken to reach the destination could have been lower than what it is but we are willing to overlook that for a great experience.
How much delay can one expect while travelling on Shri Shakti Express (22462)?
The train is mostly on time or even before its scheduled time while reaching New Delhi.
