Vande Bharat Reaches 100 kmph on the Chenab Bridge

Historic Rail Milestone: Trains Cleared to Run at 100 kmph on Katra–Banihal Section, Boosting Kashmir Connectivity

Indian Railways has approved a maximum permissible speed of 100 kmph on the 111-km Katra–Banihal broad-gauge section in Jammu & Kashmir. The decision follows the completion of required safety checks and is expected to reduce travel time and improve connectivity between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley.

The development is particularly significant because the route includes some of India’s most spectacular railway infrastructure, including the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge. A Vande Bharat train has also been reported operating at nearly 100 kmph on the Chenab Bridge, marking another major milestone for the project.

The Katra–Banihal section forms an important part of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), one of India’s most ambitious railway projects. Faster train operations are expected to strengthen passenger connectivity and improve the overall integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the national railway network.