Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Railways Add Navratri Trains as Union Challenges Outsourcing
Northern Railway is adding trains between New Delhi and Katra because more people are expected to travel during Navratri.
The trains will run on four dates in October, with one service going toward Katra and another returning to New Delhi.
The service will stop at several stations along the way.
Another special train pair is already running and will continue until October 26.
Railway officials advised passengers to plan ahead and book tickets through railway channels.
Separately, the All India Railwaymen’s Federation says important railway maintenance and safety work should be done by trained railway employees.
The federation wants open jobs filled before such work is outsourced.
It plans to hold a convention on the issue in New Delhi on October 8, 2026.
Northern Railway will run reserved special trains between New Delhi and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra on October 9, 10, 16 and 17.
Train 04083 leaves New Delhi at 2 pm on October 9 and 16; return train 04084 leaves Katra at 10 am on October 10 and 17.
The 655-kilometre service will have 22 LHB coaches and stop at 10 stations en route.
An existing special train pair, 04081/04082, will continue operating until October 26.
The All India Railwaymen’s Federation has opposed outsourcing core and safety-sensitive railway work and called for vacancies to be filled first.
- Who
- Northern Railway; the All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF).
- What
- Northern Railway announced additional New Delhi–Katra special trains for Navratri; AIRF objected to outsourcing core and safety-sensitive railway work.
- When
- The additional services run October 9, 10, 16 and 17; AIRF’s convention is scheduled for October 8, 2026.
- Where
- The trains connect New Delhi and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. The convention will be held at Karnail Singh Railway Stadium in New Delhi.
- Why
- The additional trains are intended to meet expected passenger demand during Navratri. AIRF says core maintenance and safety work should remain with a trained, accountable railway workforce.
- Route
- New Delhi–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra
- Additional service dates
- October 9, 10, 16 and 17
- Train numbers
- 04083 outbound; 04084 return
- Distance and coaches
- 655 kilometres; 22 LHB coaches
- Stops
- Sonipat, Panipat, Kurukshetra, Ambala Cantt, Dhandari Kalan, Jalandhar Cantt, Pathankot Cantt, Kathua, Jammu Tawi and Udhampur
- Existing special train pair
- 04081/04082, scheduled to continue until October 26
- AIRF convention
- October 8, 2026, at 10 am at Karnail Singh Railway Stadium, New Delhi