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The Railway Ministry has approved an increase in the maximum speed of trains on the 111-km Katra-Banihal railway section in Jammu and Kashmir. Trains on this newly developed broad-gauge route will now be allowed to run at speeds of up to 100 kmph, making journeys between the two destinations faster and more convenient for passengers.
Katra-Banihal Railway Section
The Katra-Banihal section is an important part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) and passes through the challenging mountainous areas of Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier, trains were permitted to operate at a maximum speed of 85 kmph between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Sangaldan. On the Sangaldan-Banihal stretch, the permitted speed was even lower at 75 kmph.
Increase in Speed Limit
The speed limit has been increased after the Railways completed the required safety checks and confirmed that all necessary safety conditions had been met. The move is expected to reduce travel time between Katra and Banihal while making rail journeys more comfortable. According to Northern Railway officials, the higher speed will improve connectivity between different parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Passengers will be able to reach their destinations more quickly, which could also make train travel more attractive for tourists and pilgrims visiting the region.
The improved railway connection is also expected to support tourism, trade and other economic activities in Jammu and Kashmir. Better rail connectivity can make it easier for people to travel for work, business, education and other purposes.
The Katra-Banihal section is particularly significant because it connects the Jammu region with the Kashmir Valley through difficult mountainous terrain. The route includes several major bridges and tunnels and forms an important part of the railway network connecting Kashmir with the rest of India.