Shivam Bakshi
Jammu, Aug 20 (NVI): The Vande Bharat train has for the first time attained a speed of nearly 100 kmph while crossing the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River, following approval by the Railway Ministry to enhance the permissible speed on the Katra-Banihal section, officials said on Thursday.
The approval allows trains to operate at speeds of up to 100 kmph on the 111-km-long new broad-gauge rail section between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Banihal in Jammu division of Northern Railway.
The permissible speed earlier was 85 kmph on the Katra-Sangaldan section and 75 kmph on the Sangaldan-Banihal section.
Northern Railway said the speed enhancement was approved after ensuring compliance with all prescribed safety requirements.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu, Uchit Singhal, said the increase in speed would reduce travel time and further strengthen connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir.
“The move would provide passengers with faster, safer and more comfortable travel while also boosting tourism, trade and economic activities in the region,” he said.
With the revised speed limit, the travel time between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Banihal is expected to reduce further, officials said.(NVI)
