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Vande Bharat Soars at 100 Kmph Over Chenab Bridge as Katra-Banihal Speed Limit Rises
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News18•03-10-2026, 07:42
Vande Bharat Soars at 100 Kmph Over Chenab Bridge as Katra-Banihal Speed Limit Rises
- •The maximum permissible speed on the 111-km Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Banihal broad-gauge section has been increased from 75 kmph to 100 kmph.
- •A Vande Bharat Express successfully tested the speed enhancement, crossing the Chenab railway bridge and Anji Khad railway bridge at 100 kmph.
- •This marks a significant operational step for the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, aiming for seamless rail connectivity.
- •The Railway Ministry approved the speed increase after all prescribed safety conditions were met in August.
- •The higher speed is expected to reduce travel time and provide faster, safer, and more comfortable journeys for passengers on this crucial and challenging section.
Key Questions Answered
The maximum permissible speed on the 111-km Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Banihal section has been increased from 75 kmph to 100 kmph, following approval by the Railway Ministry after safety conditions were met.
Before the latest speed increase, trains could operate at a maximum speed of 85 kmph on the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Sangaldan section and 75 kmph on the Sangaldan-Banihal section.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra on June 6, 2025.
