AMRITSAR, June 17 -- Minister of state for railways Ravneet Singh Bittu on Tuesday flagged off the Vande Bharat Express between Amritsar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra on a new route via Gurdaspur and Batala, reducing the journey distance by about 84 km and travel time by nearly 40 minutes.

Bittu also announced the redevelopment of Beas Railway Station under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme at an estimated cost of Rs.62 crore to cater to future passenger growth and provide world-class facilities.

Speaking on the occasion, Bittu said the rerouted Vande Bharat Express will connect the holy city of Amritsar with Vaishno Devi.

"The service will provide faster, safer and more comfortable travel for pilgrims, tourists and local passengers. ...