Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Katra-Banihal Rail Speed Limit Rises to 100 kmph
Trains on the route between Katra and Banihal are now allowed to go faster.
The speed limit increased from 75 to 100 kilometres per hour.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the higher speed was tested on Friday.
Vande Bharat trains crossed the Chenab and Anji bridges at the new speed.
The route is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link.
Officials say the change could make train operations smoother and shorten journeys.
They also say it could make trips faster, safer and more comfortable.
Minister of State V. Somanna said train speeds may increase further in the future.
The maximum permissible speed on the 111-km Katra-Banihal section rose from 75 kmph to 100 kmph.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the higher speed was successfully tested on Friday.
Vande Bharat Express trains 26401/26404 crossed the Chenab and Anji bridges at 100 kmph during the trial.
Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna said speeds could rise further, potentially in six months to a year.
Officials said the change is expected to improve operations on the USBRL corridor and reduce travel time.
- Who
- Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the speed increase; Vande Bharat trains conducted the trial, and Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna commented on possible future increases.
- What
- The maximum permissible speed on the 111-km Katra-Banihal section increased from 75 kmph to 100 kmph.
- When
- The increase was announced and tested on Friday; the report is dated October 2, with no year specified.
- Where
- The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Banihal section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, including the Chenab and Anji bridges.
- Why
- The change is intended to improve rail operations, reduce travel time and provide faster, safer and more comfortable journeys.
- Rail section
- Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Banihal
- Section length
- 111 km
- Previous permissible speed
- 75 kmph
- New permissible speed
- 100 kmph
- Trial trains
- Vande Bharat Express trains 26401/26404
- Bridges crossed
- Chenab Bridge and Anji Bridge
- Rail corridor
- Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL)
- Possible future speed increase
- V. Somanna said speeds may rise further in about six months to one year.
