Udhampur-Katra line complete, train reaches Katra: GM

Ahead of the inauguration of Udhampur -Katra rail section in Jammu and Kashmir, a train on a trial run today reached Katra, the base camp of Mata Vaishnodevi shrine.
The train from New Delhi today reached holy town of Katra in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the inauguration of the Udhampur -Katra rail section in the state, officials said.
Led by General Manager of Northern Railways, P K Aggarwal and over 300 officials including engineers, train travelled 25 kms from Udhampur Railway Station to Katra town.
"The railway track for the Udhampur-Katra is finally completed and ready for the trains to carry pilgrims," Agarwal told reporters on his arrival at Katra.

Once the line becomes operational, it will enable pilgrims to the Vaishno Devi shrine to travel directly to the base camp at Katra.
Constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 1050 crore, the route consists of seven tunnels and 30 small and big bridges, including a 185-feet high tunnel.

A total of seven tunnels span over 10 km of the 25-km stretch.
The 53-km-long Jammu-Udhampur railway line was already operational and once the Udhampur-Katra line, which is a part of the Kashmir rail link project, becomes operational the trains would be able to come to Katra directly.
An estimated 10 million devotees pay obeisance at the Vaishno Devi shrine every year.