In a significant development for railway connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, the maximum permissible speed on the 111-km-long Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra–Banihal section has been increased from 75 km/h to 100 km/h.
The enhanced speed limit was successfully tested today, marking an important milestone for the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.
During the speed trial, the Vande Bharat Express (Train Nos. 26401/26404) created a new record by crossing the world’s highest railway bridge, the Chenab Bridge, and India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, the Anji Bridge, at a speed of 100 km/h.
The increase in the permissible speed is expected to make train operations along the Katra-Banihal section smoother and more efficient. It will also help reduce travel time while improving the overall passenger experience.
With faster train operations, passengers travelling on the USBRL route are expected to benefit from quicker, safer and more comfortable journeys.
The achievement further highlights the engineering and infrastructure advancements being made on the USBRL project, particularly across the challenging terrain of Jammu and Kashmir. The successful speed enhancement on the Katra-Banihal section represents another step towards strengthening rail connectivity in the region.
