New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Railways V Somanna has announced that the maximum permissible speed on the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Banihal section has been increased from 75 kmph to 100 kmph, calling it a ste…

New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Railways V Somanna has announced that the maximum permissible speed on the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Banihal section has been increased from 75 kmph to 100 kmph, calling it a step towards strengthening rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.Speaking to reporters at Katra after reviewing the Chenab and Anji railway bridges, Somanna said the enhancement reflects the Centre’s commitment to the region. “The speed was 75 kmph, and today it is 100 kmph. Later, in another six months, maybe one year, as I understand it, it may further go up,” he told reporters at Jammu on Friday. Jammu and Kashmir earthquake risk puts India’s preparedness gap under scrutinyHe added that the government aims for express trains and general trains to operate efficiently, with aspirations to raise speeds to 130 kmph and eventually 160 kmph under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the development on X, noting that the 111-km section’s new speed limit was successfully tested on Friday. Vande Bharat Express trains (26401/26404) crossed the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab and India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge at Anji at 100 kmph. Somanna highlighted that Vande Bharat trains had also achieved this speed on the bridges. He expressed satisfaction at ongoing efforts to make Jammu and Kashmir a progressive state and a leader in development under the guidance of the Prime Minister and the Union government. The minister also underscored the railways’ role in transporting essential commodities, stating that more than 25,000 tonnes of milk, foodgrains and other supplies are being sent from the region to different parts of the country. According to the Railway Ministry, the higher speed will facilitate smoother operations on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, reduce travel time, and offer passengers a faster, safer and more comfortable journey.

Source: Deccan Herald