Delhi to Vaishno Devi in Just 6 Hours: The Game-Changing Expressway Nears Completion

The long-awaited Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway is set to revolutionize travel for pilgrims and tourists heading to Vaishno Devi in Katra. Once fully operational, this expressway will slash the journey from Delhi to Katra to just six hours, offering a faster, safer, and more comfortable route for millions each year.

For decades, travelers from Delhi to Katra endured a 12–14 hour road trip, navigating heavy traffic and covering a distance of 727 km. The new expressway will reduce this distance to approximately 669 km, saving nearly 60 km and cutting travel time by more than half. The route will also make the Delhi to Amritsar journey possible in just four hours, making it easier to visit both the Golden Temple and Vaishno Devi in a single trip.

Route Highlights and Connectivity

• Expressway Length: 669 km, starting from Bahadurgarh in Haryana and ending at Katra in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Key States Covered: Haryana, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir, with Punjab hosting the longest stretch at nearly 295 km.
• Major Cities on Route: Patiala, Sangrur, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, and Pathankot in Punjab.
• Entry/Exit Points: The expressway links with the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway, providing seamless connectivity to Delhi and beyond.

Travel Experience and Features

• Speed Limits: 120 km/h for light vehicles, 80 km/h for heavy vehicles.
• Safety: Two-wheelers, auto-rickshaws, and tractors are not permitted, ensuring a safer and smoother ride.
• Toll System: Charges will vary based on vehicle type.

The expressway, costing around ₹40,000 crore, is being built in phases. The Haryana section is largely complete, while work in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir is progressing, though some packages have faced delays due to land acquisition issues. The entire stretch is now expected to be operational by March 2026, with some sections opening earlier as construction milestones are reached.

The expressway is not just a boon for pilgrims but is also expected to boost economic growth in the regions it passes through. Improved connectivity is already driving industrial interest and land values, especially in Haryana and Punjab.

Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway at a Glance

With the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway nearing completion, the spiritual and cultural heartlands of North India are about to become more accessible than ever. Whether you’re a pilgrim, a tourist, or a business traveller, this expressway promises a journey that’s quicker and far more enjoyable.