Kashmir rail speed increased
Vande Bharat Express crosses Kashmir bridges at 100 kmph after safety checks
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Before the increase, the permitted speeds differed by segment: trains could run at up to 85 kmph between Katra and Sangaldan, but only 75 kmph between Sangaldan and Banihal. The Railway Ministry approved the 100-kmph limit in August after the prescribed safety conditions were met.
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The Chenab Bridge is 1,315 metres long and rises 359 metres above the riverbed—about 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower. It was designed to withstand winds of up to 260 kmph and has a designed lifespan of 120 years.
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The Anji Bridge stretches 725 metres across the valley and is supported by 96 high-tensile cables; its inverted Y-shaped pylon rises 193 metres above its foundation.
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Two pairs of Vande Bharat services currently operate on the 266-km corridor. After high passenger demand, the trains were expanded from eight coaches, with 16 additional coaches added to bring the total to 20.
Indian Railways has raised the speed limit on a key Himalayan rail section from 75 to 100 kmph after completing safety tests. A Vande Bharat Express train crossed two iconic bridges—the world's highest railway arch over the Chenab River and India's first cable-stayed bridge at Anji—at the new speed, NDTV reported. The increase applies to the 111-kilometer Katra-Banihal section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, which connects Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country.
From 75 to 100 kmph After Months of Testing
The Railway Ministry approved the speed increase in August once safety conditions were met, Kashmir Life reported. Before the change, speeds varied by segment: trains could travel at 85 kmph between Katra and Sangaldan, but only 75 kmph between Sangaldan and Banihal. The 100-kmph limit now applies uniformly across the entire 111-kilometer stretch. This change reduces travel times on the challenging mountain route.
Chenab Bridge: 359 Metres Above the River
The Chenab Bridge is a marvel of engineering. It stretches 1,315 metres long and rises 359 metres above the riverbed—about 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower, Kashmir News Observer noted. Engineers designed it to survive winds of up to 260 kmph and built it to last 120 years. The bridge's success at handling trains at 100 kmph proves its structural strength on this remote Himalayan section.
The Anji Cable-Stayed Bridge's Unique Design
The Anji Bridge, India's first cable-stayed railway bridge, stretches 725 metres across the valley. It is held up by 96 high-tensile cables, KNS Kashmir reported. Its inverted Y-shaped pylon rises 193 metres above the foundation. The bridge represents cutting-edge railway engineering in one of the world's most difficult terrain regions. Vande Bharat's successful crossing at 100 kmph shows the bridge can handle modern high-speed trains.
Expanded Vande Bharat Service Meets High Demand
Two pairs of Vande Bharat trains already run on the 266-kilometer corridor between Jammu and Srinagar. The News Now reported that officials expanded each train from 8 coaches to 20 coaches due to strong passenger demand. The speed increase to 100 kmph should help these trains deliver faster service across the mountainous route. The rail link marks a major infrastructure achievement for connecting Kashmir with the rest of India.
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