JAMMU: The Railway Ministry has approved an increase in the maximum permissible speed of trains to 100 kmph on the 111-kilometre-long Broad Gauge rail section between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Banihal under the Jammu Division of Northern Railway.
Earlier, the permissible speed was 85 kmph on the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Sangaldan section and 75 kmph on the Sangaldan-Banihal section.
The decision was taken after the Railways ensured compliance with all prescribed safety conditions required for enhancement of train speeds on the section.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu, Uchit Singhal said the higher speed would help reduce travel time while strengthening rail connectivity in 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,” Singhal said.
He added that the move would also give a boost to tourism, trade and economic activities in the region.
“Railways remains continuously committed to the safety and convenience of passengers,” he said.
With the speed enhancement, journey time between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Banihal is expected to come down, providing passengers with faster and more efficient rail services on the strategically important section.
