JAMMU, SEPT 30: In a significant development coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti on October 2, the Vande Bharat service on the Katra-Banihal section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) is set to operate at a maximum permissible speed of 100 kmph.
Northern Railway has cleared the enhancement of the maximum permissible speed on the Katra-Banihal single-line electrified section under Jammu Division, with the revised limit coming into force from 00:00 hours on October 2, 2026.
An order issued by the Senior Divisional Operations Manager (SDOM), Northern Railway, on Wednesday said the approval had been granted after compliance with all stipulations and conditions prescribed by the competent authority.
“Approval has been accorded for raising the maximum permissible speed to 100 kmph on the Katra-Banihal section of USBRL single line electrified section of the Jammu Division,” the order stated, adding that the enhanced speed would take effect from midnight on October 2.
The development assumes particular significance as October 2 marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, observed across the country as Gandhi Jayanti and also recognised as the International Day of Non-Violence.
Official sources said the decision to enhance the permissible speed followed a recent inspection of the Katra-Banihal section by the Principal Chief Engineer of Northern Railway.
The inspection assessed the preparedness of the newly completed stretch before the speed enhancement was approved.
The move is expected to further strengthen rail connectivity between the Jammu region and the Kashmir Valley, while allowing more efficient train operations on one of the most challenging sections of the USBRL.
The Katra-Banihal stretch passes through difficult Himalayan terrain and includes major tunnels, bridges and other critical railway infrastructure. Its operational strengthening is considered an important step in consolidating the railway network connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country.
With the revised limit coming into effect from October 2, trains operating on the section will be permitted to run at up to 100 kmph, subject to prescribed railway safety, signalling and operational protocols.
