JAMMU: The maximum permissible speed of trains on the 111-km-long new broad-gauge railway section between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Banihal has been increased to 100 kmph, the Northern Railway said.
The Railway Ministry has approved the speed enhancement for the Katra-Banihal section under the Jammu Division of Northern Railway after all prescribed safety requirements were duly complied with.
Earlier, trains were permitted to 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.
The increase in the permissible speed is expected to reduce travel time between Katra and Banihal and provide passengers with faster, safer and more comfortable rail connectivity.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu, Uchit Singhal said the speed enhancement would further strengthen rail connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir.
“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,” he said.
The upgraded speed limit is also expected to support tourism and economic activity in the region by improving passenger mobility and strengthening connectivity between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley.
The Northern Railway said passenger safety remains its foremost priority and that the speed enhancement was undertaken only after ensuring compliance with all prescribed safety standards.
