In a major milestone for Jammu & Kashmir’s railway connectivity, a Vande Bharat train has run at a speed of nearly 100 kmph for the first time on the world’s highest railway bridge — the Chenab Bridge in Reasi.

The development comes after the Railway Ministry approved an increase in the maximum permissible speed of trains to 100 kmph on the newly commissioned 111-kilometre Broad Gauge railway section between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Banihal, under the Jammu Division of Northern Railway.

Earlier, the permissible speed on this railway section was lower. Trains were allowed to operate at a maximum speed of 85 kmph between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Sangaldan, while the permissible speed on the Sangaldan-Banihal section was 75 kmph.

With the revised speed limit, trains can now operate at up to 100 kmph across the section, marking a significant improvement in travel efficiency and railway operations in the region.

The historic run over the Chenab Bridge, which stands as a major engineering achievement, highlights the growing capabilities of the newly developed railway network connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country.

The increase in permissible speed is also expected to contribute to faster train journeys, improved connectivity and more efficient railway operations between Katra and Banihal.