Katra-Banihal speed raised to 100 kmph; Vande Bharat crosses Chenab Bridge at record pace
Synopsis
For the first time, a Vande Bharat train has crossed the world's highest railway arch bridge — Chenab Bridge — at 100 kmph, after the Katra–Banihal section's speed limit was raised from 75 kmph to 100 kmph. The milestone on the USBRL corridor signals a step-change in Kashmir rail connectivity and showcases India's high-altitude engineering at full operational speed.
Key Takeaways
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the speed increase on 2 October 2026 .
Maximum permissible speed on the 111-km Katra–Banihal section raised from 75 kmph to 100 kmph .
Vande Bharat Express (Train No.
26401/26404) crossed the Chenab Bridge and Anji Bridge at 100 kmph , setting a new record.
The Chenab Bridge is the world's highest railway arch bridge; Anji Bridge is India's first cable-stayed rail bridge.
The upgrade is expected to reduce travel time and improve all-weather connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir via the USBRL corridor .
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday, 2 October 2026, announced that the maximum permissible speed on the 111-km Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra–Banihal section has been raised from 75 kmph to 100 kmph, marking a significant operational milestone for the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. The enhanced speed was successfully validated during a trial run on the same day.
Historic Trial on World-Class Engineering Landmarks
During the speed trial, Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 26401/26404) created a new record by crossing the Chenab Bridge — recognised as the world's highest railway arch bridge — and Anji Bridge — India's first cable-stayed rail bridge — at 100 kmph. Vaishnaw described the occasion as "historic," sharing the development on social media platform X.
"Today is a historic day. The maximum permissible speed on the 111 km long Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra–Banihal section has been increased from 75 km/h to 100 km/h," the minister said in his post.
What the Speed Upgrade Means for USBRL Operations
The USBRL corridor is a strategically vital rail link connecting the Kashmir Valley with India's national railway network. The speed upgrade is expected to reduce travel time, improve operational efficiency, and enhance passenger comfort on this high-altitude, all-weather route. Railway officials noted that the development would make train operations on the corridor smoother and more reliable.
"This enhancement will make train operations on the USBRL project smoother, reduce travel time and provide faster, safer and more comfortable journey to the passengers," Vaishnaw stated. Notably, the USBRL project has been one of India's most ambitious and technically complex railway infrastructure undertakings, carved through difficult Himalayan terrain.
Engineering Significance of Chenab and Anji Bridges
The Chenab Bridge and the Anji Bridge are landmark structures of the USBRL project. The Chenab Bridge, soaring above the Chenab River gorge, holds the distinction of being the world's highest railway arch bridge — taller than the Eiffel Tower. The Anji Bridge, as India's first cable-stayed rail bridge, represents a separate engineering first on the same corridor. Both structures now have a verified operational speed of 100 kmph following Friday's trial.
Connectivity and Strategic Impact on Jammu and Kashmir
The USBRL project was developed specifically to provide all-weather rail connectivity to Jammu and Kashmir, a region historically reliant on road links vulnerable to seasonal disruptions. The speed enhancement further strengthens the corridor's utility for both civilian travel and broader regional connectivity. This comes amid continued infrastructure investment in the Union Territory, with the USBRL seen as a key enabler of economic integration.
With the speed trial successfully completed, railway authorities are expected to implement the revised operational parameters for regular passenger services on the Katra–Banihal section in the near term.
Point of View
But operational credibility depends on whether those structures perform at design parameters in real service. Friday's 100-kmph crossing of the Chenab and Anji bridges answers that question directly. The deeper significance lies in connectivity: Kashmir's integration with the national rail network, long hostage to terrain and security concerns, now has a high-speed, all-weather backbone — and the political dividend of that is not lost on the Centre.
NationPress
2 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new speed limit on the Katra–Banihal section?
The maximum permissible speed on the 111-km Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra–Banihal section has been raised from 75 kmph to 100 kmph, as announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on 2 October 2026. The enhanced speed was validated during a successful trial run on the same day.
What record did Vande Bharat Express set on the USBRL corridor?
Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 26401/26404) crossed both the Chenab Bridge — the world's highest railway arch bridge — and the Anji Bridge — India's first cable-stayed rail bridge — at 100 kmph during the trial, setting a new operational speed record on the section.
What is the USBRL project and why is it significant?
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) is a strategic railway corridor that connects the Kashmir Valley with India's national rail network, designed to provide all-weather connectivity to Jammu and Kashmir. It features some of India's most complex mountain railway engineering, including the Chenab and Anji bridges.
How will the speed increase benefit passengers?
The upgrade is expected to reduce travel time on the Katra–Banihal section and make journeys faster, safer, and more comfortable, according to railway officials. It will also improve operational efficiency on the strategically important USBRL corridor.
What is special about the Chenab Bridge?
The Chenab Bridge is recognised as the world's highest railway arch bridge, spanning the Chenab River gorge at a height greater than the Eiffel Tower. It is a key engineering landmark of the USBRL project and has now been confirmed operational at a speed of 100 kmph.
