J&K Gets Faster Rail Link: Katra-Banihal Speed Limit Raised to 100 kmph

The Railway Ministry has approved a plan to increase the maximum permissible speed of trains to 100 kmph on the 111-kilometre-long new broad gauge rail section between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Banihal in the Jammu Division of Northern Railway. This decision is expected to significantly improve rail travel in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to Northern Railway, the permissible speed on the section was 85 kmph for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Sangaldan stretch and 75 kmph for the Sangaldan-Banihal stretch. The speed increase has been sanctioned only after ensuring compliance with all prescribed safety conditions, a statement from the railway said.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of Jammu, Uchit Singhal, said the initiative will strengthen connectivity in the region and offer passengers faster, safer and more comfortable travel. "The increase in speed will not only reduce travel time, but will also strengthen the connectivity of Jammu-Kashmir. Passengers will get faster, safer and more comfortable travel facilities. This will also boost tourism, trade and economic activities in the region. Railways remains continuously committed to the safety and convenience of passengers," Singhal said.

With the higher speed limit, travel time between Katra and Banihal will come down, making the journey more convenient for passengers. The section is part of the larger Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which aims to connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India by rail. Katra serves as the base camp for pilgrims visiting the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, while Banihal is a town in Ramban district located on the route to the Kashmir Valley.

The speed increase is seen as a step towards improving the region's infrastructure and fostering economic growth. Better rail connectivity is expected to boost tourism, facilitate the movement of goods, and provide easier access to education and healthcare facilities for local residents. The reduction in travel time will also benefit daily commuters and those travelling for business or personal reasons.

In a related development, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, virtually inaugurated the gauge-converted Kailaras-Sabalgarh-Birpur rail section in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday. They also flagged off the extension of the Gwalior-Kailaras train service up to Birpur, which will provide direct connectivity between Birpur, Vijaypur and Sabalgarh with Gwalior.

The move is particularly beneficial for people living in rural and tribal areas, offering them affordable and convenient travel options. It is expected to improve access to Gwalior for education, healthcare and employment opportunities, while also boosting local trade and economic activities in the region.

The approvals for both projects reflect the railways' ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity across the country, with an emphasis on safety and passenger comfort. The decision on the Katra-Banihal section underscores a commitment to modernising rail infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, a region where improved transport links are vital for socio-economic development.