Vande Bharat crosses Chenab and Anji bridges at 100 kmph as route speed limit goes up

A Vande Bharat Express train has successfully crossed the world's highest railway bridge over the Chenab River and India's first cable-stayed bridge at Anji at a speed of 100 kmph. This milestone follows an increase in the maximum permissible speed on the 111-kilometre-long Katra-Banihal broad-gauge rail section, according to railway officials.

Speed Limit Update

The speed enhancement on the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Banihal section, which falls under the Jammu division of Northern Railway, was tested on Thursday, October 1, 2026. Senior divisional commercial manager Uchit Singhal stated that the speed limit on this 111-kilometre stretch was raised from 75 kmph to 100 kmph. Earlier, trains ran at a maximum speed of 85 kmph between Katra and Sangaldan, and 75 kmph between Sangaldan and Banihal. The Railway Ministry approved the speed hike after all safety conditions were met in August 2026.

Project Significance

This stretch is part of the larger Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link project, designed to connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India by rail. The route cuts through the difficult terrain of the Pir Panjal and lower Himalayan ranges, featuring deep valleys and complex geology. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier flagged off the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra on June 6, 2025. The higher speed is expected to reduce travel time and give passengers a smoother journey.

Context

Railway projects in mountain regions require advanced engineering to cross deep gorges and pass through long tunnels. Higher train speeds on such routes help cut travel hours and improve connectivity for remote regions. This upgrade marks a step forward in linking Jammu and Kashmir with the national rail network.